The Unintended Oppression of Giving Thanks
Briefly

While gratitude is essential for emotional well-being, its misapplication can lead to toxic positivity, which suppresses negative emotions and discourages personal autonomy. When gratitude is used to avoid acknowledging legitimate struggles, it can perpetuate feelings of helplessness and stifle self-improvement. This dynamic particularly affects those in toxic environments, where expressing dissatisfaction may be frowned upon, ultimately breeding anxiety and resentment. Authentic emotional expression is critical, and gratitude should not be pressured at the expense of emotional truth.
Gratitude can morph into toxic positivity and become a hindrance to personal autonomy and growth, stifling emotional authenticity and discouraging self-improvement.
Toxic positivity insists on maintaining a positive outlook no matter the circumstances, often invalidating genuine struggles and emotions.
When gratitude shifts from appreciation to suppression of negative emotions, it can lead to emotional suppression and pressure to endure harmful situations.
Overemphasized gratitude may silence dissatisfaction, making individuals feel helpless and breeding resentment and anxiety over time.
Read at Psychology Today
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