ABSTRACT
Experiencing positive emotions such as gratitude and hope is one of the pillars of adult happiness. However, little is known about how children and adolescents experience these emotions and whether they promote happiness and life satisfaction. This chapter offers an understanding of the functionality of positive emotions and then explores how gratitude, hope, and optimism may protect children’s and adolescents’ well-being. These positive emotions are defined, and their developmental trajectory is traced. Research evidence from both correlational and intervention studies, linking gratitude, hope, and optimism to happiness is presented. The chapter also includes the topic of emotional intelligence as a way to enhance the experience of positive emotions, while regulating negative ones. Lastly, the chapter provides ideas for parents and teachers to promote gratitude, hope, optimism, and emotional intelligence.
