It is a benefit detector as well as
both a reinforcer and motivator of prosocial
behavior. In this functional account, gratitude is
more than a pleasant feeling. Gratitude is also
motivating and energizing. It is a positive state
of mind that gives rise to the “passing on of the
gift” through positive action. As such, gratitude
serves as a key link in the dynamic between
receiving and giving. While a response to kindnesses
received, gratitude drives future benevolent
actions on the part of the recipient. In the
language of evolutionary dynamics, gratitude
leads to “upstream reciprocity” (Nowak & Roch,
2007 ), the passing on of a benefi t to a person
uninvolved in the initial exchange. Part of gratitude’s
magnetic appeal lies in its power to evoke
a focus by the recipient on the benevolence of
others, thereby ensuring a perception that kindness
has been offered, and its beneficial consequences
that frequently are the motive to
respond favorably toward another. The idea that
the capacity to receive and be grateful fosters the
desire to return goodness is theoretically compelling
and empirically viable.