Gratitude, like other positive emotions, has inspired many theological and philosophical writings, but it has inspired very little vigorous, empirical research. In an effort to remedy this oversight, this volume brings together prominent scientists from various disciplines to examine what hasbecome known as the most-neglected emotion. The volume begins with the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of gratitude, then presents the current research perspectives from social, personality, and developmental psychology, as well as from primatology, anthropology, and biology.The volume also includes a comprehensive, annotated bibliography of research on gratitude. This work contributes a great deal to the growing positive psychology initiative and to the scientific investigation of positive human emotions. It will be an invaluable resource for researchers and studentsin social, personality, and developmental, clinical, and health psychology, as well as to sociologists and cultural anthropologists.

Jack J. Bauer: Northern Arizona University Kristin E. Bonnie: Emory University Ross Buck: University of Connecticut Doc Childre: Quantum Intech, Inc. Frans B. M. de Waal: Emory University Robert A. Emmons: University of California Barbara L. Fredrickson: University of Michigan Edward J. Harpham: University of Texas at Dallas Aafke Elisabeth Komter: Utrecht University Dan P. McAdams: Northwestern University Rollin McCraty: HeartMath Research Center Michael E. McCullough: University of Miami Robert C. Roberts: Baylor University Solomon Schimmel: Hebrew College Charles M. Shelton: Regis University Robert C. Solomon: University of Texas at Austin David Steindl-Rast: Benedictine Hermitage Jo-Ann Tsang: Baylor University Philip C. Watkins: Eastern Washington University