Gender Differences in the Relationship between Gratitude and Happiness among Orphans in Perak
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Being an orphan is not by choice, nor by chance, it is perhaps, destined. Living in an orphanage is far beyond a person’s wish. The undesirable situation may influence a person’s or specifically, a child’s psychological well-being. Thus, this research is focused on examining and analyzing the relationship between gratitude and happiness among orphans in Perak, Malaysia. It further aimed at identifying gender differences in terms of gratitude and happiness. The sample consisted of 160 participants that comprised of 98 males and 62 females from two selected orphanages in the state of Perak. Two survey questionnaires; Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Items (GQ-6) and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), were used to measure the level of gratitude and happiness among the samples. The result showed that there was a significant correlation between orphans’ level of gratitude and happiness. This finding implies that orphans’ happiness and feeling of gratefulness is not affected although they do not have biological parents. They still appreciate and feel grateful in spite of circumstances. It was found that both genders differ in terms of gratitude. Yet, there is no significant difference in happiness between genders. Future study should consider spirituality element that might have an influence on orphans’ psychological well-being.
KEYWORDS
Gratitude and happiness, orphans, orphans in orphanage, quantitate study, spirituality element