Unlock the Power of Appreciation: The Science of Why It Works and Why We Fail to Use It
“When you give or receive sincere appreciation, it isn’t just a social nicety; it’s a biological event.
From a psychological perspective, appreciation is a form of positive reinforcement. B.F. Skinner’s research showed that when a behavior is followed by a rewarding stimulus (like praise), that behavior is more likely to be repeated. Your brain releases dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, creating a powerful link between the action and the positive feeling. It’s the brain’s way of saying, “Do that again!”
Philosophers have understood this for centuries. Thinkers like Hegel spoke of the fundamental human need for recognition. We don’t just want to exist; we want to be seen and valued for who we are and what we do. Appreciation tells someone, “I see you. You matter.””