Date of Award

Spring 5-12-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Katie Corker

Abstract

Research on grit is still in its infancy and the mechanisms by which grit leads to positive outcomes is still largely unknown. This paper proposes a model of grit in which grit acts as a buffer against the negative effects of failure and preserves the positive feedback loop of self-efficacy. 388 adults were divided into two conditions and performed an anagram-like task. In the experimental condition, participants experienced an induced failure. While this failure resulted in a sharp decline in self-efficacy, grit did not buffer against these effects whatsoever. Failure affected all participants equally, regardless of grit. While the study does not simulate failing at a task in relation to a long-term goal, it does indicate that grit does not protect against smaller instances of adversity.

Rights Statement

All rights reserved. This copy is provided to the Kenyon Community solely for individual academic use. For any other use, please contact the copyright holder for permission.

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