The social benefits of gratitude can also be
construed in terms of the affect theory of social
exchange proposed by Lawler ( 2001 ). This theory
proposes that positive emotions generated by
social exchange partners lead to social cohesion
and strengthening of social networks. Therefore,
by promoting prosocial behavior, building social
resources, fostering trust, attachment security,
and social exchange, gratitude is a vital interpersonal
emotion, the absence of which undermines
social harmony.