Situational Determinants of Young Children's Gratitude: The Effects of Perceived Intentionality and the Value of the Benefit on Gratitude and Prosocial Behavior

Across a series of studies, we examined the effects of the intentionality of the benefactor and the value of the benefit on 3- to 6-year-old children's gratitude, using an experimental design. Feelings and expressions of gratitude were used as indicators of gratitude, and prosocial behavior toward the benefactor was examined as a possible behavioral correlate. Experiment 1 (N = 175) showed that the benevolent intention of the benefactor affected preschool children's gratitude and helping behavior toward the benefactor. Experiment 2 (N = 172) found significant effects for the perceived value of the benefit on children's gratitude and prosociality. Experiment 3 (N = 218) showed that children's gratitude was influenced by both the value of the gift and the benefactor's benevolent intentions. Children's theory-of-mind abilities mediated the relationship between children's age and gratitude. The results suggest that intention and gift value may act as determinants of gratitude in early childhood.