The effects of grit and resilience on moral competence following simulated combat exposure

Individuals exposed to combat-like environments are often challenged with moral conflict. The scientific investigation of moral competence on adverse environments is limited, although soldier narratives have shown how, in combat, military personnel must face challenging moral dilemmas. Additionally, the impact of grit and resilience on moral competence following combat-like environments is unknown. Recruiting 107 participants from a private US Military university, this study investigated the impact of moral competence, including the moderating effects of grit and resilience, following exposure to combat-like environments. To simulate a combat-like environment, participants were placed in either an immersive (i.e., Bravemind) or non-immersive (i.e., Virtual Battlespace 3) environment. Self-reported resilience, grit, and moral competence were measured using Resilience Scale for Adults, the Grit Scale, and the Moral Competence Test, respectively. Findings showed that following exposure to simulated combat-like environments, moral competence scores were higher in participants exposed to combat-like environments. Furthermore, results revealed a main effect of grit on moral competence, suggesting that grit could have functioned as a buffer following simulated combat. These findings can provide a richer understanding of how, following combat-like environments, moral competence can be impacted and how grit and resilience can help protect the ability to successfully face moral dilemmas.