Overview This chapter includes an introduction to important concepts in this study. It discusses concepts of Gratitude, Authenticity and Emotional Intelligence along with its theoretical background. The developmental phase of adolescence is discussed in this chapter, as the sample of the study is adolescents. The rationale and significance of the study are provided based on these points; the objectives of the study are also given at the end. 1.2 Concepts under the Study 1.2.1 Gratitude "Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." - Buddha. The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, meaning favor, and gratus, meaning pleasing. The Oxford English Dictionary (1989) defines gratitude as "the quality or condition of being thankful; the appreciation of an inclination to return kindness". Emmons and McCullough (2003) define gratitude as an emotional response to a gift or benefit from another person. The existence of gratitude can be traced back to ancient times and as one of the most important morals and virtues in India. The Ramayana says: 'Krte ca pratikartavyameshamdharmahsanatanah' (Ramayana, Sundara Kanda) which means "To repay a good deed with another- is the essence of Sanatana Dharma." In India, the saying 'Atithi Devo Bhavah' is also integral. It means 'the guest is equivalent to the God'. It is a Sanskrit verse taken from the Hindu scriptures which later became a part of the Code of conduct for Hindu society since the guest has always been of supreme importance in the culture of India. According to the Vedic view, various types of help and support received in one's growth can be classified into three categories. These are called three debts - 1. family and friends ('PitruR¿in¿a'), 2. The great sages ('R¿is¿iR¿in¿a'), and 3. God ('Deva R¿in¿a'). Family and friends provide help and support for our immediate necessities.
