Trait gratitude is an individual characteristic that makes people aware of the positive aspects of their lives and situations, and it represents a significant resource when facing critical life transitions. However, only a few studies have investigated which factors might promote gratitude. This study sought to fill this gap by analyzing the relationship between personal values and trait gratitude in a group of young adults with divorced parents compared to peers with married parents. One hundred and twenty-three Italian young adults (44.7% from divorced families) completed the Portrait Values Questionnaire-21 and the Gratitude Teen Survey. Results showed that conservation and self-transcendence values were positively related to gratitude for both groups. In contrast, self-enhancement values were positively associated with gratitude only among young adults with divorced parents. Limitations of the study, practical implications, and future research developments are discussed.
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