Chapter 5: Does Culture Matter for Grit?: Mapping Cross-Cultural Directions in Grit Research Programs

For the past few decades, empirical studies have focused on how cognitive abilities (e.g., intelligence and aptitude) operate as catalysts of academic achievement. However, educational psychologists have increasingly recognized the beneficial impact of non-cognitive abilities on academic success (Duckworth & Yeager, 2015; Stecher & Hamilton, 2014). Duckworth and Yeager (2015) have coined the term “personal qualities” to describe non-cognitive positive personal characteristics (e.g., gratitude, growth mindset, and happiness) that may optimize effective student functioning. An example of a positive personal quality that has been associated with key academic outcomes (e.g., academic achievement and motivation) involves grit. Grit has been conceptualized as our passion and perseverance for long-term goals (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007).