Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part F (2025)

The present study examined gratitude as a potential protective factor against helplessness and explored its implications for the well-being of working professionals. In fast-paced organizational environments, employees often experience lack of control over outcomes, leading to feelings of helplessness which can reduce motivation and emotional functioning. Gratitude, as a positive psychological resource, is theorized to buffer such negative effects and sustain mental well-being. The objectives of the study were to assess levels of helplessness, gratitude and well-being among working professionals, to examine the associations between these variables, and to determine whether gratitude moderates the negative influence of helplessness on well-being.
The research adopted a quantitative, correlational design using a sample of 200 working adults. Standardized psychological scales were administered, including the Learned Helplessness Scale (LHS), Gratitude Questionnaire (GQ-6) and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index. Results revealed a strong negative correlation between helplessness and well-being, while gratitude showed a significant positive association with well-being. Moderation analysis using Hayes PROCESS Model 1 further indicated that gratitude significantly buffered the negative impact of helplessness; individuals with higher gratitude exhibited less decline in well-being even when helplessness levels were elevated.
These findings suggest that gratitude functions as a resilience-enhancing resource that preserves emotional health in demanding work environments. The study carries practical implications for workplace wellness programs, highlighting the value of gratitude training, peer appreciation practices, positive feedback systems and recognition-based leadership. Incorporating gratitude-based interventions in organizational settings may reduce burnout, support emotional stability and promote sustainable psychological well-being among employees.