Using cultural-ecological theory to construct a mid-range theory for the development of gratitude as a virtue

Abstract

Gratitude scholarship, whether in the close relationships or developmental literature, currently lacks a coherent framework. The term gratitude is used for a wide variety of constructs, and there is rarely a clear link between conceptualization and operationalization. We think that gratitude should be considered a moral virtue, involving the desire to reciprocate in some kind or helpful way to one's intentional benefactors. Our goal is thus to provide a mid-range theoretical framework for the study of the development of gratitude as a virtue. The theory from which this framework is derived is cultural-ecological theory.