Witnessing excellence in action: the 'other-praising' emotions of elevation gratitude and admiration.

This is a member only resource

Become a Member » Log In »
Witnessing excellence in action: the 'other-praising' emotions of elevation gratitude and admiration.

People are often profoundly moved by the virtue or skill of others yet psychology has little to say about the "other-praising"  family of emotions. Here we demonstrate that emotions such as elevation gratitude and admiration differ from more commonly studied forms of positive affect (joy and amusement) in many ways and from each other in a few ways. The results of studies using recall video induction event-contingent diary and letter-writing methods to induce other-praising emotions suggest that: elevation (a response to moral excellence) motivates prosocial and affiliative behavior gratitude motivates improved relationships with benefactors and admiration motivates self-improvement. Mediation analyses highlight the role of conscious emotion between appraisals and motivations. Discussion focuses on implications for emotion research interpersonal relationships and morality.

Citation: 
The Journal of Positive Psychology Vol. 4, No. 2, March 2009, 105–127

Become a Member

The IOC is a global community of coaches.

Join

Contact Us

  • Institute of Coaching
  • McLean Hospital
  • 115 Mill Street, Mail Stop 314
  • Belmont, MA 02478
  • Phone: 617-767-2670
  • info@instituteofcoaching.org