Psychological grit is "a personality trait characterized by perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals" (APA, 2023). Grit is universally seen as the predictor of life success regardless of context. It is the ability to persist in something one feels passionate about and persevere in the presence of obstacles. This kind of passion is not about intense emotions or infatuation. It's about having direction and commitment. 

Psychological grit was operationalized using the 12-item grit scale (Duckworth et al., 2007).  This scale is a self-report measure designed to measure perseverance and passion for long-term goals. To be more specific, six questions were directed towards perseverance of effort, and the other six asked about consistency in interest. 

Sample questions:

I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge.

• Very much like me 

• Mostly like me  

• Somewhat like me  

• Not much like me  

• Not like me at all

I have been obsessed with a certain idea or project for a short time but later lost interest.

• Very much like me  

• Mostly like me  

• Somewhat like me 

• Not much like me  

• Not like me at all

I have achieved a goal that took years of work.  

• Very much like me  

• Mostly like me 

• Somewhat like me  

• Not much like me 

• Not like me at all

Psychological Grit is a crucial topic to understand in the context of this course. The Students are here to achieve long-term goals that will likely shape their future. Knowing that Grit is an essential trait to have for success, learning about it and understanding what may influence it will give a stronger perception of its relevance to one's life. 

Check out the research below that the students of the Spring 2023 PSYC 300 class have conducted on this topic!