Hope and gratitude predict domestic workers' well-being through positive emotions

Abstract

Broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions posits that positive emotions can broaden one's momentary thought-action repertoire and build enduring personal resources, which can contribute to one's optimal well-being (Fredrickson, 2001). This study focuses on how positive emotions that arise from the character strengths of hope and gratitude can contribute to domestic workers' well-being. A survey was conducted wherein 500 Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong completed questionnaires, including the Character Strengths Rating Form (Ruch et al., 2014) to measure hope and gratitude; the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (Lamers et al., 2011) to measure well-being; and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Wilson et al., 1988) to measure positive emotions. Indirect effects of both hope and gratitude on well-being through positive emotions were found. The study provides evidence on the role of character strengths of hope and gratitude and the experience of positive emotions as pathways to enhancing domestic workers' well-being.