Gratitude Moments as Predictors of Self- and Other-Orientation Indicators in a Racially/Ethnically Diverse Sample of US Young Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Scholars posit that gratitude may enhance other-oriented beliefs and behaviors dampen self-oriented ones through a cycle of upward generativity. We examined associations between as an indicator self-orientation (i.e., materialism entitlement) other orientation connection to nature; attitudes, beliefs, conversations about social justice; prosocial behavior) in the US youth across six months moderated by race/ethnicity gender. Specifically, Study 1 evaluated psychometric performance moments scale more racially ethnically diverse sample than included original development. In study 2, we pre-registered hypotheses among who completed surveys October 2020 again January 2021 (n = 812). These tested (1) whether there were ethnic/racial differences measure children’s gratitude; (2) reciprocal over time indices self orientation; (3) these varied function The results found demonstrated high reliability validity racially/ethnically young adolescents 89). Using nonlinear factor analysis only one difference how performed or cross-lagged panel models, did not predict subsequent self- other-orientation indices, though with lower justice attitudes greater behavior showed increases later moments. Prosocial was strongly consistently related gratitude. findings are consistent models catalyst for development additional forms actions underlie purpose.