Greater Emotional Gain from Giving in Older Adults: Age-Related Positivity Bias in Charitable Giving.

ABSTRACT: Older adults have been shown to avoid negative and prefer positive information to a higher extent than younger adults. This positivity bias influences their information processing as well as decision-making. We investigate age-related positivity bias in charitable giving in two studies. In Study 1 we examine motivational factors in monetary donations, while Study 2 focuses on the emotional effect of actual monetary donations. In Study 1, participants (n = 353, age range 20-74 years) were asked to rate their affect toward a person in need and then state how much money they would be willing to donate to help this person. In Study 2, participants (n = 108, age range 19-89) were asked to rate their affect toward a donation made a few days prior. Regression analysis was used to investigate whet

SUBMITTER: Bjalkebring P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4908114 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature