Psychol Sci September 2018 PMID 29949445

Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation.

Amit Kumar, Nicholas Epley

Mentions

297
Peak: 11 in Dec 2022
across 6 sources since Jan 2019

Extended reach

719,994
potential audience

Total likes

2,307

Video views

47,616

Mentions per month

Jan 2019 – May 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News208 articles
  • X / Twitter61 posts
  • Blogs21 articles
  • YouTube3 videos
  • Facebook3 posts
  • Bluesky1 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions consistently reinforce the idea that people underestimate the power of expressing gratitude, with examples like writing thank-you letters and mentions of research showing recipients feel surprisingly positive. The tone, supported by references to studies and personal endorsements, underscores a strong consensus on the importance and transformative potential of gratitude in social interactions.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly agree with the article’s message, emphasizing that gratitude has a more positive impact than people generally believe.

InterestHigh interest

Posts show high interest, with many highlighting studies, sharing personal agreement, and discussing practical applications like writing thank-you letters.

EngagementHigh engagement

Several discussions delve into explanations of the research findings, sharing examples and urging others to practice gratitude, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

The collective tone suggests that understanding gratitude’s true effects could significantly influence social behavior and emotional well-being, indicating high potential impact.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Rob Henderson
@robkhenderson · X

"Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients would feel...Underestimating the value of expressing gratitude may keep people from engaging in behavior that would maximize well-being" https://t.co/vkyHNnxDL2 https://t.co/snEtbkwrkb

Sep 12, 2021 · 79 likes · 16 shares · 178,570 followers View post →
André Spicer
@andre_spicer · X

We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter to someone who has helped us in the past. Often it has a profound impact on the receiver - and the sender. Here's the evidence: https://t.co/ei9dlcmCjo.

Apr 30, 2023 · 40 likes · 7 shares · 15,168 followers View post →
Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS
@drjshapiro · X

Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think. 3. Improves givers' moods. https://t.co/mXT4rXzq8N Tagging Twitter heroes of mine who do this well as a thanks: @olsonplanner @acweyand @Adamhill1212

Dec 14, 2022 · 39 likes · 11 shares · 1,604 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #abst_bot

Dec 6, 2020 · 19 likes · 1 share · 9,273 followers View post →
Klodiana Lanaj
@KlodianaLanaj · X

Expressing gratitude enhances well-being for both parties. People don't do it enough because they tend to undervalue it's positive impact on recipients. Let's get in the habit of showing sincere appreciation! https://t.co/MZRCVHsfEv

Aug 28, 2019 · 15 likes · 2 shares · 465 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #abst_bot

Oct 22, 2022 · 10 likes · 7 shares · 9,273 followers View post →

All mentions

tokatti
@tokatti_ · X

たいていの人はまぁみんなこちらの感謝に気づいてるだろうみたいに思うバイアスがある ほとんどの人は自分の感謝の気持ちを伝える能力に自信がないが、実際には大半の人は文章の暖かさと感謝を伝えたいという意図だけで判断を行う https://t.co/Fs4XcqeCGt #自分用メモ

May 11, 2025 · 1 like · 190 followers View post →
apapositivepsychology
@APAPositivePsy · X

Source: Kumar, A., & Epley, N. (2018). Undervaluing gratitude: Expressers misunderstand the consequences of showing appreciation. Psychological Science, 29(9), 1423-1435. https://t.co/EYgKx4vy97

Oct 13, 2023 · 1 like · 25 followers View post →
Maitrayee
@Ujaan17 · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

May 1, 2023 · 7 shares · 57 followers View post →
Karl Wennberg
@KarlWennberg1 · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

May 1, 2023 · 7 shares · 785 followers View post →
Aaron Weinschenk
@aaronweinschenk · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

May 1, 2023 · 7 shares · 2,520 followers View post →
Politik Network
@PolitikNetwork · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

May 1, 2023 · 7 shares · 1,164 followers View post →
Hema Vraman, Ph.D.
@contxt_matters · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

Apr 30, 2023 · 7 shares · 90 followers View post →
Tina Dacin
@TinaDacin · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

Apr 30, 2023 · 7 shares · 1,656 followers View post →
georg wernicke
@herman08015 · X

RT @andre_spicer: We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter…

Apr 30, 2023 · 7 shares · 4,669 followers View post →
André Spicer
@andre_spicer · X

We often underestimate the impact which our kind acts have on others. One act of kindness is writing a gratitude letter to someone who has helped us in the past. Often it has a profound impact on the receiver - and the sender. Here's the evidence: https://t.co/ei9dlcmCjo.

Apr 30, 2023 · 40 likes · 7 shares · 15,168 followers View post →
@
@popohman · X

Undervaluing #Gratitude : Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation - Amit Kumar, Nicholas Epley, 2018 You know, there’s a reason #MassShooters are #Loners & #Disenfranchised We ALL need #social intimacy regularly #empathy #caring https://t.co/A7jYAmFx4b

Jan 4, 2023 · 422 followers View post →
@
@popohman · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Jan 4, 2023 · 11 shares · 422 followers View post →
Vicky Saint-Ange
@VickySaintAnge · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 27, 2022 · 11 shares · 334 followers View post →
Jill Horan
@jmmh123 · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 15, 2022 · 11 shares · 1,062 followers View post →
Neera Gupta, MD, MAS
@NeeraGuptaMD · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 15, 2022 · 11 shares · 1,677 followers View post →
Adam B. Hill, M.D.
@Adamhill1212 · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 15, 2022 · 11 shares · 34,222 followers View post →
Christina Tennyson MD
@TennysonMD · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 15, 2022 · 11 shares · 3,781 followers View post →
Akshay Sharma MD
@AkshaySharmaMD · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 15, 2022 · 11 shares · 5,766 followers View post →
Gretchen Diemer
@gretchendiemer · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 15, 2022 · 11 shares · 985 followers View post →
I will die on a blue hill, find me in the sky.
@co_pony · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 14, 2022 · 11 shares · 1,809 followers View post →
Shematologist, MD
@acweyand · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 14, 2022 · 11 shares · 82,078 followers View post →
Tyler Olson, EA
@olsonplanner · X

RT @drjshapiro: Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think.…

Dec 14, 2022 · 11 shares · 42,983 followers View post →
Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS
@drjshapiro · X

Fav study on #gratitude Expressing gratitude: 1. Isn't as awkward as we think. 2. Impacts recipients more than we think. 3. Improves givers' moods. https://t.co/mXT4rXzq8N Tagging Twitter heroes of mine who do this well as a thanks: @olsonplanner @acweyand @Adamhill1212

Dec 14, 2022 · 39 likes · 11 shares · 1,604 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpH1fq #abst_bot

Oct 23, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 9,273 followers View post →
みつ犬
@mitsukenland · X

RT @myuuko: 【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #…

Oct 23, 2022 · 7 shares · 32 followers View post →
と
@tan93nt · X

RT @myuuko: 【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #…

Oct 22, 2022 · 7 shares · 113 followers View post →
yametekudastop
@kottaisan1 · X

RT @myuuko: 【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #…

Oct 22, 2022 · 7 shares · 99 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #abst_bot

Oct 22, 2022 · 10 likes · 7 shares · 9,273 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #abst_bot

Aug 29, 2022 · 4 likes · 9,273 followers View post →
Jordan Shapiro, MD, MS
@drjshapiro · X

@kjdelay1 Love it and need to rekindle this in my life. Also has a great impact on others and us to express gratitude for others. And isn’t as awkward as many assume it may be. https://t.co/X0O4WPnAtA

Jun 30, 2022 · 1,604 followers View post →
Ryu Takahashi
@rtkhs_2718 · X

RT @myuuko: 人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手がどれほど驚いて嬉しくなるかを過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand th…

Apr 2, 2022 · 5 shares · 141 followers View post →
tim
@tim_oyler · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Oct 14, 2021 · 16 shares · 70 followers View post →
Matt Rothschild
@MattJRothschild · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Oct 13, 2021 · 16 shares · 157 followers View post →
Rob Henderson
@robkhenderson · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Oct 13, 2021 · 16 shares · 178,570 followers View post →
Ben Andrews
@AirPancake23 · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 13, 2021 · 16 shares · 222 followers View post →
Oscar Contreras
@ooscar_88 · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 13, 2021 · 16 shares · 1,488 followers View post →
Jenny Kim
@jennykim · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 12, 2021 · 16 shares · 4,062 followers View post →
John Smith ☦️
@EpektasisJohn · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 12, 2021 · 16 shares · 1,171 followers View post →
Boyu Wang
@je_suis_boyu · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 12, 2021 · 16 shares · 147 followers View post →
Xenon
@CO2caine · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 12, 2021 · 16 shares · 552 followers View post →
Former user
@dtnelson · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 12, 2021 · 16 shares · 656 followers View post →
Boycott the Oppression Olympics™
@Anti_SJW_human · X

RT @robkhenderson: "Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients wou…

Sep 12, 2021 · 16 shares · 532 followers View post →
Rob Henderson
@robkhenderson · X

"Expressers of gratitude overestimated how awkward recipients would feel, and underestimated how positive recipients would feel...Underestimating the value of expressing gratitude may keep people from engaging in behavior that would maximize well-being" https://t.co/vkyHNnxDL2 https://t.co/snEtbkwrkb

Sep 12, 2021 · 79 likes · 16 shares · 178,570 followers View post →
Mike Abe
@stains__ · X

RT @myuuko: 人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手がどれほど驚いて嬉しくなるかを過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand th…

Jul 25, 2021 · 5 shares · 362 followers View post →
あつ
@RASISA10 · X

感謝の気持ちを過小評価する:表現者は感謝を示すことの結果を誤解している https://t.co/XQv9qXCz9D

May 16, 2021 · 79 followers View post →
honoka
@honoka45 · X

RT @myuuko: 人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手がどれほど驚いて嬉しくなるかを過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand th…

Mar 4, 2021 · 5 shares · 336 followers View post →
吉川浩満
@clnmn · X

RT @myuuko: 人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手がどれほど驚いて嬉しくなるかを過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand th…

Mar 4, 2021 · 5 shares · 13,532 followers View post →
mammy999
@dddvdgaarunara · X

RT @myuuko: 【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #…

Dec 7, 2020 · 1 share · 296 followers View post →
Yuuko Morimoto
@myuuko · X

【bot】人は自分が感謝を伝えた相手が驚いて嬉しくなる程度を過小評価し、相手の気まずさを過大評価する(そのせいで感謝を伝えるのをためらう)よという研究。/ Undervaluing Gratitude… https://t.co/yqyfFpY4hq #abst_bot

Dec 6, 2020 · 19 likes · 1 share · 9,273 followers View post →
Selda Koydemir
@seldakoydemir · X

Why don't we express #gratitude more often? Research says we underestimate its positive effects on the recipient and overestimate its costs. https://t.co/A5XnoZERQh

Apr 27, 2020 · 4 likes · 2,324 followers View post →
Jan Smetana
@Smetana_J · X

Wir diskutierten Kumar&Epley (2018): Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation (https://t.co/imHsqeSnJV)

Feb 25, 2020 · 1 like · 38 followers View post →
#personalbewusst
@berufundfamilie · X

Die Annahme, dass das Dankesagen eher peinliche als positive Gefühle bei Empfänger*innen weckt, ist laut #Studie der @UTAustin falsch. Also nutzen Sie den #dankeschöntag im #Job. #Betriebsklima https://t.co/Mndt700bLQ https://t.co/W6zvaZHUl6

Jan 11, 2020 · 1 like · 624 followers View post →
TakingHayekSeriously
@FriedrichHayek · X

RT @CassSunstein: Terrific article on how and why we undervalue gratitude. (Speaking of which, sending thanks to @R_Thaler @HarlanCoben @av…

Dec 29, 2019 · 26 shares · 22,085 followers View post →
Omid Fotuhi
@OmidFotuhi · X

Tell someone you're grateful for having them in your life, and why. Turns out that others are actually MORE surprised when you do and appreciate it MORE than we might predict. https://t.co/DrjYmCAKZK #ScienceInformedDecisions #Gratitude #Thanksgiving

Nov 26, 2019 · 1 share · 234 followers View post →
Dr Craig Furneaux
@DrFurneaux · X

RT acpns_qut: RT DrAKWilliamson: Fascinating research on saying thanks https://t.co/mE0Y0ScWQp shows the gap between senders' expectations and the actual impact of expressing thanks means people are missing out on a “powerful act of civility” that benef… https://t.co/Kljgp81DnY

Sep 22, 2019 · 1 like · 438 followers View post →
Alex Settles
@AlexSettles2 · X

RT @KlodianaLanaj: Expressing gratitude enhances well-being for both parties. People don't do it enough because they tend to undervalue it'…

Aug 28, 2019 · 2 shares · 169 followers View post →
Klodiana Lanaj
@KlodianaLanaj · X

Expressing gratitude enhances well-being for both parties. People don't do it enough because they tend to undervalue it's positive impact on recipients. Let's get in the habit of showing sincere appreciation! https://t.co/MZRCVHsfEv

Aug 28, 2019 · 15 likes · 2 shares · 465 followers View post →
James Bartholomew
@JGBartholomew · X

RT @harrybenson6: A reminder to write thank you letters. They have a much more positive effect than we expect! https://t.co/nFpjMNqlRR

May 9, 2019 · 1 share · 5,632 followers View post →
Harry Benson
@harrybenson6 · X

A reminder to write thank you letters. They have a much more positive effect than we expect! https://t.co/nFpjMNqlRR

May 9, 2019 · 1 like · 1 share · 1,327 followers View post →
Ernesto Barrera
@ernestob.bsky.social · Bluesky

Gratitud infravalorada: Los expresores malinterpretan y pueden subestimar sistemáticamente las consecuencias de mostrar aprecio - Experimento psicológico [Psychol Sci] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0956797618772506

Apr 2, 2019 View post →
Ernesto Barrera
@ernestob · X

Gratitud infravalorada: Los expresores malinterpretan y pueden subestimar sistemáticamente las consecuencias de mostrar aprecio - Experimento psicológico [Psychol Sci] https://t.co/iyImaaTZxz

Apr 2, 2019 · 5,074 followers View post →
Richmond Stace - The Pain Coach
@painphysio · X

Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation >> https://t.co/7YoHzxZYOJ #gratitude #thepaincoach

Jan 10, 2019 · 1 like · 9,688 followers View post →