Gratitude and the Brain

Gratitude operates on two crucial neurochemical pathways in the brain: dopamine and serotonin. These pathways are responsible for our experiences of motivation, reward, and well-being. If dopamine makes us feel good, serotonin makes us feel well.

Dopamine: The Motivation and Reward Pathway

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that reinforces behaviors by creating feelings of reward. When you express or feel gratitude, dopamine is released, reinforcing the behaviour, and motivating you to continue practicing gratitude. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, explains that dopamine release is not only tied to achieving goals but also to anticipating positive outcomes. Gratitude can amplify this anticipation, creating a cycle of motivation and reward. Gratitude, in essence, trains your brain to focus on what is going well, rather than dwelling on negativity.

Serotonin: The Well-Being Pathway

Serotonin, often called the "well-being neurotransmitter," regulates mood and fosters feelings of contentment. Gratitude has been shown to stimulate the anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, areas of the brain involved in social bonding, empathy, and emotional regulation (Zahn et al., 2009). By boosting serotonin production, gratitude helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, creating a greater sense of emotional balance.

Jordan Peterson, a clinical psychologist and author, emphasizes the role of gratitude in regulating emotions and fostering psychological resilience. Peterson posits that practicing gratitude creates a narrative of competence and opportunity, which shifts your focus away from victimhood and despair toward agency and growth.

Together, dopamine and serotonin create a feedback loop of positivity, reinforcing the habit of gratitude and making it easier to sustain over time.