The benefits of passion, perseverance, and adaptability for long-term goals in a collectivist context : qualitative and quantitative studies in the Philippines

Abstract

Criticisms have been raised regarding the adequacy of the two-factor Model of Grit, with perseverance of effort and consistency of interests as the major dimensions. This research explored the model in a collectivist society (The Philippines), using four inter-related studies to examine how a more culturally-sensitive model relates to academic and well-being outcomes. Study One, with 10 Filipino undergraduate students, explored how grit operates for them, and the social factors that shape it. A qualitative research approach was used to obtain data and generate a model. Findings suggested that grit may operate differently in a collectivist setting, because three dimensions emerged, namely - perseverance of effort, consistency of interests, and adaptability to situations. Study Two used the Short Grit Scale and newly written items on a third dimension (adaptability to situations) to develop the Triarchic Model of Grit Scale (TMGS). In Phase 1, results from a survey among 350 Filipino undergraduate students were processed using exploratory factor analyses with principal axis factoring and promax rotation. Results demonstrated that a three-factor model of grit with perseverance, consistency, and adaptability as key dimensions provided the best fitting factor solution. The subscales were also found to be reliable. Phase 2, with 146 Filipino undergraduate students, refined the 11-item version of TMGS through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Findings revealed that grit dimensions were associated with Big Five personality factors and academic self-efficacy. Phase 3, involving 150 Filipino university students, evaluated the validity of the 10-item version of TMGS. Results of CFA indicated that scores from the three-factor model were valid and invariant across gender. Regression analyses showed that grit positively predicted academic, career exploration, and talent development self-efficacy after controlling for demographic variables, conscientiousness, and social desirability. Findings indicated that the 10-item version of TMGS is an acceptable measure of grit among Filipino students. Study Three, conducted with 504 Filipino secondary school students, assessed the association of grit with academic achievement, motivation, and engagement. Results demonstrated that grit positively predicted academic achievement, engagement, controlled motivation, and autonomous motivation. Multiple mediation analyses showed that autonomous motivation served as a consistent mediator in the link between grit and academic engagement and achievement. Study Three concluded that autonomous motivation served as the psychological mechanism that may link grit to educational outcomes. Study Four, with 356 high school students, examined the link of grit to well-being outcomes. The results showed that, on one hand, grit positively predicted life satisfaction, positive affect, and interdependent happiness after controlling for demographic variables and neuroticism. On the other hand, grit negatively predicted psychological distress. Study Four concluded that grit may be linked to higher levels of psychological health. In general, the results of these investigations provided evidence concerning the applicability of the Triarchic Model of Grit in a collectivist setting. Grit is linked to different indicators of academic success and psychological wellness. Findings from the studies help to expand the generalizability of the Western-derived theory of grit to interdependent societies. Practical implications for counselling and school psychological practices are discussed.