Psychologist Dr. James Chen proposes that expressing gratitude regularly leads to improved mental health. He suggests that the practice shifts attention away from negative thoughts toward positive aspects of life.
Which research result would best support Chen's hypothesis?
Participants who wrote in a gratitude journal for 8 weeks showed 25% reduction in depression symptoms compared to a control group that wrote about daily events
Most people report feeling grateful for their families
Gratitude is valued in many cultures
People who are already happy tend to express more gratitude
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. Controlled study with specific mental health measure (depression symptoms) proves the benefit.
- Context clues: Chen claims gratitude leads to "improved mental health."
- Evidence evaluation: 25% depression reduction is a measurable mental health improvement.
- Verify: Comparing to control group proves gratitude caused the change.
💡 Strategy: Mental health claims need controlled studies with clinical measures.
Choice B is incorrect because feeling grateful doesn't prove health benefits. Choice C is incorrect because cultural value doesn't demonstrate health outcomes. Choice D is incorrect because correlation between happiness and gratitude doesn't prove causation.