Psychology Professor & Gratitude Researcher; Founding Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology

Davis, CA, USA
Live Event: $5,000 - $10,000 Virtual Event: $5,000 - $10,000 More Fee Info

Robert A. Emmons Biography

Dr. Robert A. Emmons is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and the founding editor-in-chief of The Journal of Positive Psychology. Emmons' research focuses on personality psychology, emotion psychology, and the psychology of religion, with a particular emphasis on gratitude as a psychological phenomenon. He has contributed to the scientific understanding of gratitude, transforming it from a philosophical concept into a subject of rigorous psychological study.

Emmons is the author of more than 200 original publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, and has written or edited eight books, including "The Psychology of Ultimate Concerns," "The Psychology of Gratitude," "Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier," "Gratitude Works! A Twenty-One Day Program for Creating Emotional Prosperity," and "The Little Book of Gratitude." His research demonstrates that regular grateful thinking can significantly increase happiness, improve sleep, and boost energy. Emmons' studies show that individuals who practice gratitude experience higher levels of positive emotions, such as joy, enthusiasm, love, happiness, and optimism. His work also indicates that gratitude can enhance coping with stress, foster resilience after trauma, support quicker recovery from illness, and promote feelings of connectedness, improved relationships, and altruism.

Emmons has received several awards and grants, including the William James Award from APA Division 36 and the Henry A. Murray Award from APA Division 8. He is a past president of the American Psychological Association's Division 36, The Psychology of Religion. Emmons' research has been funded by organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health, the John M. Templeton Foundation, and the National Institute for Disability Research and Rehabilitation. He served as co-project director on a major initiative titled "Gratitude to God: Psychological, Philosophical, and Theological Perspectives."

His work has been featured in media outlets including the New York Times, USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, Newsweek, Time, NPR, PBS, Consumer Reports, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Today Show. Emmons regularly speaks at medical and psychological conferences and public events, sharing insights on the science of gratitude with healthcare professionals and general audiences. As an early contributor to the positive psychology movement, Emmons continues to influence the understanding of gratitude and its impact on well-being and human flourishing.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/19/2026.

Robert A. Emmons Videos

Dr. Robert A. Emmons, PhD: "The Science of Gratitude" (Ep 6 of the ...

Dr. Robert A. Emmons, PhD: "The Science of Gratitude" (Ep 6 of the ...

Dr. Robert A. Emmons PhD talks to Rabbi Shais Taub about how science is coming to better understand that which our faith tradition has ...

Dr. Robert Emmons: How we can practice gratitude

Dr. Robert Emmons: How we can practice gratitude

Dr. Robert Emmons: How we can practice gratitude. UMNCSH

Provost's Lecture: Robert Emmons, "The Science of Gratitude"

Provost's Lecture: Robert Emmons, "The Science of Gratitude"

Robert Emmons is the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude. He is a professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and the...

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Robert A. Emmons is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Robert A. Emmons for your event is available upon request. Robert A. Emmons generally travels from Davis, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Carol Dweck, Eduardo Briceño, Paul Krismer, Emily Diehl and Dr. Afiya Fredericks. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Robert A. Emmons for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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