8.2. Grit and prosocial behavior
As expected, age moderated the relation between grit and prosocial
behavior such that grit predicted prosocial behavior in older adults but
not middle age adults. Older adults have a need to remain generative to
successfully navigate life stages (Erikson, 1982). Grit contributes to success
(Duckworth et al., 2007) so grit may be an important factor in the
successful resolution of Erikson's psychosocial stages. Older adults
may have health problems or mobility issues that may hinder their ability
to engage generatively. Therefore, grittiness likely contributes to engagement
in prosocial behaviors because grit provides motivation to
engage generatively despite challenges or obstacles.