Until the current study, however, it was unknown whether and how these effects occur
in youth. With gratitude and materialism having divergent associations with well-being
among adolescents, gratitude may prove useful for advancing many of the social development
goals increasingly addressed by schools. For example, there is evidence that strong
extrinsic values are linked to increased health risk behavior (in terms of tobacco, alcohol,
and marijuana use, as well as sexual activity) (Williams et al. 2000). Thus, gratitude may
aid flourishing in youth because it motivates them to fulfill basic needs of personal growth,
relationships, and community—all of which reduce vulnerability to the main health risks
they face.