Stability amidst turmoil: Grit buffers the effects of negative life events on suicidal ideation

The influence of negative life events on college students' suicidal ideation: the mediating role of entity theory and the moderating role of meaning in life

Suicidal ideation is a desire, thought, or conception that is closely associated with suicide, which is an important risk factor for suicidal behavior. Negative life events may impact college students' suicidal ideation. According to the suicide susceptibility-stress model, the interaction between susceptibility factors and stressors may influence college students' suicidal ideation. The present study investigated the role of entity theory and meaning in life in the influence of negative life events on suicidal ideation among college students. A nationwide questionnaire survey was conducted among 938 college students. The Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Implicit Personality Theory Questionnaire, the Adolescent Life Events Scale, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire were used. The results showed that negative life events were positively correlated with suicidal ideation, entity theory played a mediating role, and meaning in life moderated the mediation of entity theory. Finally, meaning in life and entity theory may bring some benefits to college students; that is, when faced with negative life events, meaning in life and entity theory may attenuate students' suicidal ideation.

The role of grit in thinking styles and academic major satisfaction

Satisfaction with one's academic major is critical to a university student's development. This study explores the interrelationships among thinking styles, grit, and academic major satisfaction in both deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) and hearing students, employing independent samples t-tests to compare the two groups, Pearson's correlation analysis to explore relationships among the variables, and mediation analysis to understand the mediating effect of grit on the relationship between thinking styles and academic major satisfaction. The results indicated significantly higher levels of grit and consistency of interest in DHH students than hearing students, with no significant differences in perseverance of effort. A strong correlation was found between thinking styles and both grit and academic major satisfaction, particularly in DHH students. Mediation analysis revealed that grit significantly mediated the relationship between thinking styles and academic major satisfaction, underscoring its role in enhancing students' academic experience. These findings contribute to the limited literature on DHH students' psychological attributes and the complex interplay of psychological constructs in academic major satisfaction, offering valuable insights for tailored educational strategies.

Examining aspects of psychological flexibility within the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicidal behavior: A prospective investigation

BACKGROUND

According to the integrated motivational-volitional model of suicide, feelings of entrapment are related to the emergence of suicidal ideation (SI). However, this relation can be moderated by certain protective factors.

METHODS

This study examined whether aspects of psychological flexibility (i.e., experiential avoidance, experiential acceptance, harnessing) moderated the relation between aspects of entrapment and SI severity in college students experiencing SI (N = 553) both cross-sectionally and when SI severity was measured 1 week later (N = 247).

RESULTS

At baseline, experiential acceptance, but not experiential avoidance or harnessing, significantly moderated the relation between external entrapment and SI severity and internal entrapment and SI severity. No aspects of psychological flexibility prospectively moderated relations between entrapment and SI severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Aspects of psychological flexibility may influence immediate vulnerability to SI severity among young adults experiencing feelings of entrapment. Implications for clinical interventions influencing changes in psychological flexibility are discussed.

Impact of army morale on suicidal ideation: The mediating role of grit and the moderating role of social support in a Chinese Navy population

This study constructed a moderated mediation model to examine whether increased army morale could reduce suicidal ideation. The mediating role of grit and the moderating role of social support were also examined. A total of 1029 male navy cadets in China were recruited to complete the survey. The measures used in the study included the Army Morale Scale, Grit Scale, Social Support Scale, and Self-rated Idea of Suicide Scale. The results indicated that: increased army morale could significantly reduce suicidal ideation; the impact of army morale on suicidal ideation could be partially mediated by grit; and social support moderated the impact of army morale on suicidal ideation. Specifically, relatively higher levels of social support could reduce suicidal ideation among individuals with lower levels of army morale, but the effect is not significant when the morale is at a high level. The study revealed that increased army morale could reduce suicidal ideation. Moreover, the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of social support were also revealed.

Occupational stress and depression of Korean employees: Moderated mediation model of burnout and grit

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated an interpersonal model of development of depressive symptoms in employees, where occupational stress affects burnout, which in turn affects risk for depression, and whether this mediation is moderated by grit.

METHODS

A total of 11,421 participants, aged 19 to 65 years, who were employees of 18 private companies and local government organizations in Korea were included. They completed questionnaires, including the Korean version of occupational stress scale, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and Grit scale. Mediation and moderation analyses were carried out in the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences PROCESS macro.

RESULTS

The association between occupational stress and depressive symptoms was mediated by exhaustion (b = -0.256, 95 % CI [0.244, 0.268]) and disengagement (b = -0.052, 95 % CI [0.039, 0.065]). Moreover, the effect of exhaustion on depressive symptoms was moderated by each grit, with the effect being stronger for employees with low grit (b = 0.939, p < 0.001 for passion and b = 0.629, p < 0.001 for perseverance) than for those with high grit (b = 0.944, p < 0.001 for passion and b = 0.686, p < 0.001 for perseverance).

LIMITATIONS

The cross-sectional design of the study does not allow causal inferences.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings contribute to the understanding of how occupational stress predicts depressive symptoms in the workplace and provide practical implications for preventing burnout and nurturing grit to protect employees' mental health in the workplace.

Does grit protect against the adverse effects of depression on academic achievement?

Depressive symptoms have been shown to be negatively related to academic achievement, as measured by grade point average (GPA). Grit, or the passion for and the ability to persevere toward a goal despite adversity, has been linked to GPA. Thus, grit may potentially buffer against the negative effects of depressive symptoms in relation to academic achievement. However, social desirability may might impact the validity of grit when assessed by self-report measures, so how these constructs are all related is unknown. The current study explored the relationship between depressive symptoms, grit, social desirability, and GPA among University students (N = 520) in the United States using a cross-sectional design. We conducted a moderated-moderation model to examine how social desirability moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms, grit, and GPA. Findings replicated prior work and indicated negative relationships between depressive symptoms and social desirability with GPA and a positive relationship, albeit non-significant, between grit and GPA. However, results suggest that grit did not moderate the relationship between depressive symptoms and GPA when including social desirability in the model. Future research should investigate this relationship in a longitudinal setting to further examine how grit and depressive symptoms influence one another in academic domains.

Moderating roles of grit and locus of control on rumination and suicidality

Cognitive factors constitute an important risk factor to the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Engaging in depressive and anger rumination are uniquely associated with elevated vulnerabilities to STBs. Variations in attentional focus and control may further modify the impacts of rumination. For one, grit resembles the inflexible thinking patterns inherent in rumination, potentially contributing to one's capability of persisting in carrying out suicidal behaviors despite fears of pain or death. In the context of rumination, locus of control may alter the perspectives to which individuals attribute negative experiences. The current study examines the moderating roles of grit and locus of control on the impact of depressive and anger rumination on suicidality. Participants (N = 322) completed a battery of self-report questionnaires measuring depressive rumination, anger rumination, grit, locus of control, and suicidal history (a history of suicidal ideation, history of suicidal attempts, or neither). Using hierarchical multinomial logistic regression in R, results revealed that, as opposed to working together, the proposed variables are more independently informative in distinguishing those with a history of suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, or neither. Findings provide unique contribution to the suicide literature pertaining to how individuals may perceive of their own internal locus of control and grit following suicidal thoughts and beliefs. Clinical implications and future directions are provided as recommendations in line with current findings.

Guts, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity (GRIT) Among Mid Adolescent School Students in a District of South India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background:

Guts, Resilience, Integrity, and Tenacity (GRIT) is an optimistic character that mixes passion and dedication. It is a driver of achievement and success, independent of and beyond what intelligence and talent contribute. The study aimed to assess GRIT and factors influencing it among mid-adolescent school students (13–18 years) in the Perambalur district, Tamilnadu, India.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among mid-adolescent school students. We used a self-reported questionnaire to collect the data on sociodemographic characteristics and parents’ details and the standard eight-item GRIT questions. Analysis was done with the total and subscale scores.

Results:

Among the 1663 participants, 966 (58.1%) were males. The mean (SD) age was 15.6 (1.19) years. The mean GRIT score was 26.65 (4.12). Most students (755) showed medium (45.4%) GRIT scores. The age factor had a weak negative correlation with GRIT ( r = −0.052, p = 0.033) and females had higher scores ( t = 9.13, p = 0.002). Perseverance of effort was significantly more in those from a rural background ( t = 1.9, p = 0.012), while consistency of interest was more in those from urban background ( t = 0.63, p = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Most students had average or medium GRIT scores, with higher GRIT among females. The concept of GRIT should be properly addressed among children during their school years in order to inspire them to dream with passion and perseverance.

Changes in grit and psychological capital at the time of major crisis: nursing students' perseverance, resources, and resilience

OBJECTIVES

To examine changes in grit and psychological capital among nursing students prior to, during the height of the pandemic, and more than 12 months after the initial pandemic announcement.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design addressed the aim of the study. Nursing students undertaking a three-year baccalaureate degree between 2019 and 2021 were included.

RESULTS

Mean grit levels among the n=818 unique student participants were significantly lower in 2020 than in 2019 and 2021; however, no significant difference was detected for psychological capital over the same period.

CONCLUSIONS

Although normative day-to-day challenges may aid grit development, a major event has a negative impact yet has a buffering effect of negative life events at the time of a crisis. The study further placates that psychological capital remains malleable and open to change at the time of a crisis and may be an essential mechanism to mediate grit and has the capacity to influence student performance over time. It remains essential to develop grit through the mediating elements of psychological capital to enable nursing student to undertake academic studies, particularly in the event of major challenges, such approaches may further enable students' endurance to withstand major crises as they enter the workforce.

An Examination of Suicidal Behavior among Black College Students with Exposure to Police Violence

There is limited research about suicidal behaviors among Black emerging adults (peak age of suicide risk) who report exposure to police violence. The current study applies an integrated approach to examine individual, immediate environment, and community-based risk and protective factors of suicide among Black college students who reported previous exposure to police violence. A purposive sample of Black college students (N = 300) was analyzed using bivariate analyses and binary logistic regression. Outcome variables investigated were lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Twenty-eight percent of participants reported lifetime suicidal ideation and 14 percent reported lifetime attempts. Female students were significantly more likely to report lifetime suicidal ideation and recent symptoms of anxiety and to engage in emotional social support than male peers. Logistic regression results demonstrated that higher income and greater depression symptoms were associated with lower reporting of lifetime suicidal ideation. Reporting of more grit, the trait of perseverance and passion for long-term goals, was associated with a lower reporting of both lifetime suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Findings have implications for how social workers in higher education are encouraged to address suicidal behavior among Black students, including the cultivation of grit.

Perceived Control and Work-Related Stress Mediate the Effects of Grit on Depression among Employees

We developed and evaluated an interpersonal model of depression in employees, where passion and perseverance affect occupational stress and perceived control, which in turn affect risk of depression. The participants were employees of 18 private companies and local government organizations in Korea aged 19 to 65 years. A total of 11,422 participants completed questionnaires including the Korean version of the Grit scale, the occupational stress scale, the perceived control subscale in the perceived stress scale, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Mediation analysis was performed to determine relationships among trait-level passion and perseverance, work-related stress, perceived control, and depression. Passion and perseverance preceded depression in employees. Higher occupational stress and lower perceived control mediated the association between passion and depression, and between perseverance and depression. Passion and perseverance exert preventive effects on depression by decreasing workplace stress and elevating perceived control. Future studies should investigate the effects of psychological characteristics on the development of depression in employees.

A measure for assessment of beneficial and harmful fortitude: development and initial validation of the sisu scale

Sisu is a Finnish cultural concept that denotes determination and resoluteness in the face of adversity. We propose that sisu will supplement the English-language based research on mental fortitude traits. Sisu has not been the focus of systematic research until very recently. We created a new questionnaire measuring sisu (the Sisu Scale), sought to validate the sisu construct and its sub-factor structure as postulated in a recent qualitative study. We investigated associations of sisu with other measures of mental fortitude and well-being. More generally we aimed to enrichen the cross-cultural understanding of human experience of overcoming adversity across life's challenges.

We describe and validate a questionnaire that effectively measures both beneficial and harmful sisu, each comprising three sub-factors. Beneficial sisu was associated with other measures of fortitude, but less with personality dimensions. We also confirmed the existence of an independent harmful sisu factor. Beneficial sisu was associated with higher well-being and lower depressive symptoms, and harmful sisu with lower well-being and higher levels of general stress, work stress and depressive symptoms. Together the two factors were superior compared to pre-existing measures when predicting well-being-related variables. Results suggest that the new Sisu Scale we developed may provide a valuable addition to research on mental fortitude, resilience and their consequences for well-being.

Social relationships and grit in English as a foreign language learning among high school students: A three-wave longitudinal study

This study examined the longitudinal reciprocal relations between students' grit and their perceptions of social relationships (teacher-student and peer relationships) in studying English as a foreign language (EFL). A total of 2,435 students from Grades 10-11 in China (Mage = 16.40 years old, 54.2% female) participated in the study on three occasions across 1 year. The three-wave cross-lagged analytic model results indicated that (a) peer relationship and grit reciprocally enhanced each other across both intervals; (b) the teacher-student relationship at Time 2 was influenced by Time 1 grit, but not vice versa. Nevertheless, the teacher-student relationship transactionally facilitated each other during the second interval (from Time 2 to Time 3). The multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MG-CFA) results indicated that such relations remained stable across gender. The study's findings contribute to ongoing research delineating the dynamic system between social relationships and grit in EFL learning. It also reveals that males and females benefit similarly during social communications with peers and their English language teachers. Implications for educational practices were discussed.

Buffering Effect of Perseverance and Meditation on Depression among Medical Students Experiencing Negative Family Climate

Background and objective: Thirty percent of Thai medical students experienced depression. Two of the crucial factors related to depression involved borderline personality disorder symptoms and adverse family experiences, while positive strengths were documented to prevent depression. This study aimed to investigate the role of perseverance and meditation on depression; Methods: Two hundred and forty−three medical student participants completed the following measurements: the core symptom index (CSI−D) to measure depression, the family climate questionnaire to measure family experience, the personality disorder questionnaire to measure borderline personality disorder symptoms, and the inner strength−based inventory to measure perseverance and meditation. In the analysis, depression served as an outcome, adverse family climate as a predictor and borderline personality disorder symptoms as a mediator. In contrast, perseverance and meditation were moderators in the mediation model. Mediation and moderation analysis using PROCESS was applied for testing the direct and indirect effects; Results: Among all, 49.38% were male, and the mean age was 22.76 years. Borderline personality disorder symptoms significantly mediated the relationship between adverse family climate and depression, B = 0.0608 (95%CI, 0.0301 to 0.1052). The variance explained by the mediation model was 43%. Meditation moderated the relationship between adverse family climate and borderline personality symptoms, whereas perseverance and meditation were found to be significant moderators for borderline personality disorder symptoms and depression. With two moderators in the mediation model, the indirect effect index was B = 0.0072 (95%CI, 0.0002 to 0.0160). The 49% of variances of depression were explained by the moderated mediation model; Conclusion: Borderline personality disorder symptoms are a crucial variable involving depression. Meditation practice has been demonstrated to be a buffer between negative family climate to borderline personality disorder symptoms and depressive symptoms, whereas perseverance buffers the effect of borderline personality disorder symptoms of depression. Further research on cultivating meditation and perseverance should be encouraged among those with negative family experiences.

The contribution of the flipped learning environment to value perception and controllability of classroom activities as antecedents of learners’ anxiety: A control-value approach

Students enrolled in tertiary education encounter multiple challenges, which prevent them from being proficient. One of these challenges is anxiety which is a common achievement emotion that impacts many students. Anxiety may prevent learning and may be negatively related to learning due to the negative values of classroom activities and their low controllability. As a result, obtaining more research evidence on anxiety plays an important role in allowing learners to develop the skills they need in different types of technology-based environments such as Flipped Learning (FL). With the prevalence of Internet usage, FL is gaining increasing popularity among higher education individuals. The FL approach is an important model for modifying teaching, cultivating enthusiasm, and interaction, and developing educational presentations in student-focused learning circumstances. The potential affordances of the FL environment might place learners in more positive states of control and value appraisals than the environment of conventional classes, which can lead to the removal of negative emotions such as anxiety. Given the benefits of FL and the potential affordances of its environment, the purpose of this conceptual study is to argue how the inherent affordances of the FL environment can contribute to the controllability and positive values of classroom activities reducing learners’ anxiety in light of control-value theory.

The relationship between perceived discrimination and Chinese migrant children's school adjustment: A moderated mediation model of identity conflict and grit

Research has revealed that perceived discrimination may be a risk factor against school adjustment among Chinese migrant children. However, few studies have examined the underlying mechanisms that may mediate or moderate this association. To fill this gap, this study examined the mediating role of identity conflict and moderating role of grit in the association between perceived discrimination and school adjustment. A sample of 732 Chinese migrant children completed measures of perceived discrimination, school adjustment, identity conflict, and grit. Results showed that identity conflict mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and school adjustment among Chinese migrant children. Moreover, this mediating effect of identity conflict between perceived discrimination and school adjustment was moderated by grit, with the effect being weaker for Chinese migrant children with higher grit. These findings illuminate the underlying influence of identity conflict and grit in the link between perceived discrimination and school adjustment of Chinese migrant children. Limitations and implications of this study were discussed.

Multidimensional Profiles of Addictive Smartphone Use: A Latent Profile Analysis

Given that crucial psychological attributes of smartphone addiction have been studied in isolation from each other, we examined latent profiles of emotional distress (depression, stress, loneliness, and fear of missing out; i.e., FoMO); protective traits (self-control, mindfulness, grit); the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and approach system (BAS; drive, reward responsiveness, and fun seeking) in relation to addictive smartphone use. We identified three distinctive profiles, using five fit statistics: AIC, BIC, adjusted BIC, an entropy, and LRT. The self-controlled, gritty, and mindful profile (22.7%) was characterized by heightened levels of self-control, grit, and mindfulness but lower levels of emotional distress, BIS, and BAS. The emotionally distressed profile (29.8%) was distinguished by elevated levels of depression, stress, loneliness, FoMO, and BIS, but relatively lower protective traits and BAS. Lastly, the approach sensitive profile (47.5%) corresponded to the normative group characterized by relatively higher BAS but mostly average levels of emotional distress and protective traits. When both global and pairwise comparisons between profiles were performed using Wald tests, we found that the self-controlled, gritty, and mindful profile was associated with significantly lower smartphone addiction tendencies than emotionally distressed or approach sensitive profiles, while the latter two did not differ from each other. These results still held when multiple covariates (age, sex, and income) were controlled for. Using a sophisticated person-centered approach, our findings underscore multidimensional psychological profiles that have different associations with smartphone addiction.

Peer Helpers' Experience of Participation in an Adventure-Based Experiential Learning Program: A Grit Perspective

The study focused on the adventure-based experiential learning (ABEL) component of the North-West University peer helper training program. The aim of this study was to explore and describe a group of peer helpers' subjective experiences of their participation in an ABEL program, with a focus on how these experiences related to the concept of grit. A total of 26 students at the North-West University, both male and female, participated in the study. A qualitative research approach with a case study research design was used. The participants completed daily reflective diaries for the duration of the three-day ABEL program. After 3 months of performing their duties as peer helpers, the same individuals participated in focus group interviews. Themes were identified through inductive analysis and discussed regarding their relevance to the concept of grit. The main themes that emerged from both phases of data collection included intra-, inter-, and transpersonal/transcendent aspects, within which participants regularly referred to elements of grit. It was concluded that ABEL, due to its unique nature and demands, provides an ideal mechanism for the facilitation of personal growth on various levels. More specifically, through its clear association with the improvement and/or development of participants' grit, it could equip these students to be more effective in their role as peer helpers.

Grit predicts less severe hoarding symptoms among patients seeking treatment at an anxiety disorders clinic

Grit is associated with positive outcomes in nonclinical samples. However, no studies have examined grit in relation to psychopathology in patients with clinical mood or anxiety disorders. Research and clinical experience suggest that individuals who hoard struggle with characteristics associated with grit, such as task persistence, impulsivity, and self-control. The authors tested the hypothesis that hoarding symptoms are associated with less grit in a sample of individuals (N = 72) presenting for treatment to an anxiety disorders clinic. After covarying symptoms of the four mood and anxiety disorders most commonly comorbid with hoarding disorder (viz. depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), the authors found that hoarding symptoms were associated with less grit, and the effects were medium-to-large. These results indicate that grit is worthy of investigation in individuals with hoarding disorder using methodologies that permit inferences about causality, and with attention to clinical implications for prevention or treatment.

Grit and Meaning in Life of Chinese Nurses: The Chain Mediating Effect of Social Support and Hope

Grit is defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, and it may affect the stability of the nursing workforce and the physical and mental health of nurses continuously. Meaning in life has received considerable attention from scholars, which is an important component in positive psychology. This study aimed to delve into the relationship between grit and the meaning in life of Chinese nurses. Additionally, we also sought to prove the chain mediating effect of social support and hope on this relationship. An online questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 704 Chinese nurses using the self-made demographic questionnaire with Short Grit Scale (Grit-S), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (ADHS), and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Moreover, Process version 3.3 plug-in SPSS 25 was used to test the mediation effect between variables. The results showed a strong positive relationship between grit and meaning in life and verified the mediating effect of social support and hope on grit and meaning in life. The results also confirmed the chain mediating model between grit, social support, hope, and meaning in life.

Passive and active suicidal ideation among left-behind children in rural China: An evaluation of intrapersonal and interpersonal vulnerability and resilience

OBJECTIVE

Although theoretical conceptualizations of suicide hold that passive and active suicidal ideation are etiologically distinct, existing research observing this distinction is modest, with most prior studies focusing exclusively on active ideation. Understanding processes associated with passive ideation is clinically important insofar as passive ideation may precede active ideation, and thus serve as an earlier intervention target prior to potential onset of suicidal behavior. We aimed to evaluate intrapersonal and interpersonal vulnerability and resilience factors for passive ideation and differentiating passive from active ideation.

METHOD

Left-behind adolescents in rural China (n = 371) were assessed for passive and active ideation, depressive symptoms, rumination, grit, peer support, and peer victimization.

RESULTS

Overall, 15.9% of the sample endorsed passive ideation without active ideation, and 17.8% endorsed active ideation. In multivariate analyses, rumination and grit differentiated left-behind children with passive ideation from those with no ideation. Depressive symptom severity predicted active ideation among adolescents with passive ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

The current findings suggest that rumination and grit may characterize passive ideation. Although passive and active ideation may differ modestly in vulnerability and resilience factors, depressive symptoms may be important to monitor among those with passive ideation and have not yet experience active ideation.

Psychological Resilience in West Point Graduates: Results From a Nationally Representative Study

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with psychological resilience in a nationally representative sample of West Point graduates. Aims: The aims of this study were to (a) employ a dimensional approach to operationalizing psychological resilience in a trauma-exposed population that had been highly trained and educated in persisting in the face of stress, was previously unstudied, and in which we could examine correlates of resilience, (b) identify key psychosocial factors, character traits, health variables, military experiences, and coping strategies as potential correlates of psychological resilience; and (c) examine whether reported gender moderated any of these associations in this population. Methods: A nationally representative sample of 1342 West Point graduates after gender integration from classes 1980 to 2011 were surveyed. Psychological resilience was operationalized using a discrepancy-based approach in which a measure of composite psychological distress (current posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety and depression symptoms) was regressed on measures of cumulative trauma burden. A multivariable linear regression model was then employed to identify factors that were independently associated with psychological resilience scores. Results: Purpose in life (29.8% of relative variance explained [RVE]), fewer perceived negative experiences in the military (20.6% RVE), social support (9.6% RVE), and grit (9.5% RVE) were the strongest correlates of psychological resilience scores for both women and men. Time in service was positively associated with resilience in women only. Conclusion: This study identifies key correlates of psychological resilience in West Point graduates, individuals who are highly trained to persevere in the face of stress and then were trauma-exposed. Most of these factors are modifiable and can be targeted in stress prevention and treatment interventions, especially for high-stress professions such as the military, frontline health care providers, and first responders.

National Evaluation of Surgical Resident Grit and the Association With Wellness Outcomes

Importance

Grit, defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is predictive of success and performance even among high-achieving individuals. Previous studies examining the effect of grit on attrition and wellness during surgical residency are limited by low response rates or single-institution analyses.

Objectives

To characterize grit among US general surgery residents and examine the association between resident grit and wellness outcomes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional national survey study of 7464 clinically active general surgery residents in the US was administered in conjunction with the 2018 American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination and assessed grit, burnout, thoughts of attrition, and suicidal thoughts during the previous year. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association of grit with resident burnout, thoughts of attrition, and suicidal thoughts. Statistical analyses were performed from June 1 to August 15, 2019.

Exposures

Grit was measured using the 8-item Short Grit Scale (scores range from 1 [not at all gritty] to 5 [extremely gritty]).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was burnout. Secondary outcomes were thoughts of attrition and suicidal thoughts within the past year.

Results

Among 7464 residents (7413 [99.3%] responded; 4469 men [60.2%]) from 262 general surgery residency programs, individual grit scores ranged from 1.13 to 5.00 points (mean [SD], 3.69 [0.58] points). Mean (SD) grit scores were significantly higher in women (3.72 [0.56] points), in residents in postgraduate training year 4 or 5 (3.72 [0.58] points), and in residents who were married (3.72 [0.57] points; all P ≤ .001), although the absolute magnitude of the differences was small. In adjusted analyses, residents with higher grit scores were significantly less likely to report duty hour violations (odds ratio [OR], 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77-0.93), dissatisfaction with becoming a surgeon (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.48-0.59), burnout (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.49-0.58), thoughts of attrition (OR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.55-0.67), and suicidal thoughts (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.47-0.71). Grit scores were not associated with American Board of Surgery In-Training Examination performance. For individual residency programs, mean program-level grit scores ranged from 3.18 to 4.09 points (mean [SD], 3.69 [0.13] points).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this national survey evaluation, higher grit scores were associated with a lower likelihood of burnout, thoughts of attrition, and suicidal thoughts among general surgery residents. Given that surgical resident grit scores are generally high and much remains unknown about how to employ grit measurement, grit is likely not an effective screening instrument to select residents; instead, institutions should ensure an organizational culture that promotes and supports trainees across this elevated range of grit scores.

Do more stress and lower family economic status increase vulnerability to suicidal ideation? Evidence of a U-shaped relationship in a large cross-sectional sample of South Korean adolescents

It is widely held in socio-behavioral studies of suicide that higher levels of stress and lower levels of economic status amplify suicidal vulnerability when confronted with a proximal stressor, reflecting the traditionally prevalent understanding in health psychology and sociology that associates adverse life circumstances with undesirable mental health outcomes. However, upon reflection, there are strong theoretical reasons to doubt that having more stress or being in a more stressful environment always increases suicidal vulnerability given the occurrence of a crisis. Using large nationally representative public survey data on South Korean adolescents, I show that the association between recent psychosocial crisis and suicidal ideation often gets stronger with more favorable levels of perceived stress and improving levels of family economic status. Overall, the increase in the probability of suicidal ideation from recent exposure to a psychosocial crisis is consistently the smallest around medium levels of stress or family economic status and larger at low or high levels. A supplementary exercise suggests that the identified moderation effects operate mainly in virtue of individual-level stress or family economic status in the relative absence of contextual influences at the school level. The findings present preliminary evidence of the stress inoculation hypothesis with regard to suicidal ideation. Research on suicidal vulnerability could benefit from increased attentiveness to the mechanisms through which being in an adverse or unfavorable life situation could protect against the suicide-inducing effects of proximal stressors.

Promoting "Zest for Life": A Systematic Literature Review of Resiliency Factors to Prevent Youth Suicide

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth globally. In this critical interpretive synthesis, we examined literature on resiliency factors and suicidality. Systematic searches identified 474 articles, 37 of which were included. Results revealed internal (positive self-appraisal, zest for life, personal traits, and coping skills) and external factors (social support system and inclusive environments) contribute to resilience among youth, with age, sex and gender, and Indigenous identity as important intersecting considerations. Findings validated fostering resilience as primary suicide prevention among youth, with little explanation for how these factors may work to protect youth from suicidality. Continued research in this area requires a focus on how to promote resilience at the community and systems levels.

Influence of grit on lifestyle factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of adults in the United States

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has profoundly impacted the world, including disruptions in lifestyles to support physical distancing. It is well known that personality plays a role in lifestyle behaviors such that certain traits predict health and well-being. The present study examined the relationship between grit and lifestyle behaviors during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and initial lockdowns in the United States. It was hypothesized that those with more grit would engage in healthier lifestyle behaviors of increased physical activity, less sedentary time, and better eating habits. Using an internet-based survey, data was collected from adults from April 13th to May 4th, 2020. Survey questions focused on demographics, grit, physical activity and sedentary time, and dietary habits. Associations between grit and lifestyle were examined using a combination of hierarchical multiple regression analyses and ANCOVAs. The sample of 888 adults (age: 34.8 ± 14.0) was 74.2% female. Those with higher grit were more physically active, reported less sedentary time, and practiced better dietary habits. Collectively, these findings suggest that grit may help individuals lead a healthier lifestyle during stressful or negative events such as a global pandemic. Future work should examine the role of grit on lifestyle behaviors as the quarantine continues.

Beyond Passion and Perseverance: Review and Future Research Initiatives on the Science of Grit

Grit, which is originally conceptualized as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, has been associated with optimal performance. Although previous meta-analytic and systematic reviews summarized how grit relates to performance outcomes, they possess considerable shortcomings, such as (a) absence of summary on the association of grit with well-being outcomes; (b) absence of discussion on social, psychological, and emotional mechanisms linking grit to well-being; and (c) lack of elaboration on how alternative models can resolve fundamental problems in the grit construct. This integrative review provides a comprehensive summary on the link of grit to performance and well-being outcomes. Importantly, it elaborates how alternative models can potentially address flaws in the existing grit theory. Future research directions are discussed on how to move forward the science of grit.

COVID-19 Infection Risk and Depressive Symptoms Among Young Adults During Quarantine: The Moderating Role of Grit and Social Support

Prior research has demonstrated that the adverse consequences of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may go beyond its economic hardships and physical health concerns, having a significant influence on psychological distress for individuals under quarantine. Nevertheless, relatively little attention has been paid to exploring the risk and protective factors in the link between COVID-19 infection risk and psychological distress among young adults. Following a socioecological framework, the current study examines the moderating role of grit (perseverance and consistency) and social support in the association between COVID-19 infection risk and depressive symptoms. A sample of 1,251 young adults under home quarantine (62.6% female; M age = 20.92 years, SD = 1.47; age ranged from 18 to 25 years) was involved in this study, and they were asked to complete a set of self-reported questionnaires online. Results of a linear regression analysis exhibited that COVID-19 infection risk was positively associated with depressive symptoms in young adults in quarantine. Moreover, moderation analyses showed that this association was moderated by perseverance and social support. To be specific, for those reporting higher levels of social support, this linkage was not significantly positive; in contrast, for those reporting lower levels of social support, perseverance was a significant protective factor for depressive symptoms when young adults were exposed to a high infection risk of COVID-19. The current study suggests that greater social support is essential to helping young adults deal with possible negative emotions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, university-based counseling services should pay specific attention to those young adults with relatively insufficient social support resources and low levels of perseverance.

The Common Factors of Grit, Hope, and Optimism Differentially Influence Suicide Resilience

No study to date has simultaneously examined the commonalities and unique aspects of positive psychological factors and whether these factors uniquely account for a reduction in suicide risk. Using a factor analytic approach, the current study examined the relationships between grit, hope, optimism, and their unique and overlapping relationships in predicting suicide ideation. Results of principle axis factor analysis demonstrated close relationships between these variables at both the construct and item level. Item-level analyses supported a five-factor solution (Stick-to-Itiveness, Poor Future, Consistency of Interest, Positive Future, and Poor Pathways). Four of the five factors (excluding Stick-to-Itiveness) were associated with suicide ideation. Additionally, results of a multiple regression analysis indicated that two of the five factors (Consistency of Interest and Positive Future) negatively predicted suicide ideation while Poor Future positively predicted suicide ideation. Implications regarding the interrelationships between grit, hope, and optimism with suicide ideation are discussed.

Buffering Academic Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic Related Social Isolation: Grit and Growth Mindset as Protective Factors against the Impact of Loneliness

The pandemic of the SARS CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19 sickness, constitutes a global challenge to well-being. Positive psychology constructs of grit and growth mindset may offer a solution to this challenge as both are associated with psychological resilience. A growth mindset describes the underlying beliefs people have about the malleability of intelligence, and grit refers to dedication to long-term goals. The present study explored whether such constructs could constitute protective factors against the academic stress associated with loneliness and perceived lack of control among international students (n = 170) during social isolation, induced by COVID-19 restrictions. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression model explained 36% of the variance in academic stress with a perceived lack of control (ß = .53, p < .001) and growth mindset (ß = -.22, p < .001) being significant direct predictors. Moderation analysis explained 17% of the variance and confirmed that a level of dispositional grit moderated the detrimental influence loneliness had on academic stress. Simple slopes analysis revealed a significant effect for moderate (β = .07, p = .01) and high (β = .16, p = .001) levels of grit. Our findings suggest that grit and growth mindset, as dynamic variables, could be taught to students as resilience-building prevention of academic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, our results have shown that parents (37%) and friends (32%) were most frequently identified by students as supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic with minimal reported support from universities (2.5%).

Anxiety sensitivity and grit as mediators between childhood abuse and relapse risk for substance use

BACKGROUND

Childhood abuse is prevalent in those with substance use disorders (SUDs), and can lead to adverse consequences, including relapse to substance use following treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) and grit mediate associations between childhood abuse and substance use relapse risk.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Patients on an inpatient detoxification and stabilization unit seeking treatment for SUDs (N = 702).

METHODS

Participants were administered self-report measures assessing childhood physical and sexual abuse (CPA/CSA), AS, grit, and relapse risk. A parallel mediation model was used to investigate the association between childhood abuse and relapse risk as mediated by AS and grit.

RESULTS

Anxiety sensitivity was associated with greater relapse risk (β = 0.29, t = 8.24, p < 0.001). Indirect effects of CPA and CSA on relapse risk through AS were statistically significant (CPA: β = 0.05, 95 % C.I. = 0.02-0.08; CSA: β = 0.04, 95 % C.I. = 0.01-0.07), indicating AS significantly mediated effects of both CPA and CSA on relapse risk. Grit was not a mediator, however, higher grit score was significantly associated with decreased relapse risk (β = -0.17, t = -4.90, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety sensitivity may be an important construct linking child abuse to relapse risk. Although grit may not mediate the effect of child abuse on relapse risk, it may be clinically relevant to relapse risk. As this sample consisted of treatment-seeking adults, the generalizability of results to other populations is uncertain. Future studies should investigate interventions targeting these constructs in this population.

The Moderating Role of Autonomy Support Profiles in the Association Between Grit and Externalizing Problem Behavior Among Family-Bereaved Adolescents

Research has consistently documented that the death of a close family member can disrupt a family’s functional equilibrium and has a deleterious effect on adolescents’ adaptation; however, little attention has been paid to behavioral adaptation of adolescents after a loss in a collective setting. Attempting to fill this research gap, the objectives of the current study are: (1) to identify autonomy support profiles based on two centered figures (parents and head teachers) and (2) to examine whether these emerging profiles may moderate the association between the two dimensions of grit (perseverance and consistency) and externalizing problem behavior in Chinese family-bereaved adolescents. A total of 763 family-bereaved adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years (60.3% girls; M_age = 15.74; SD = 1.53) were involved in the current study; they were asked to fill a battery of self-report questionnaires. A latent profile analysis revealed three autonomy support profiles: high parental autonomy support–high teacher autonomy support (HPHT; n = 598), high parental autonomy support–low teacher autonomy support (HPLT; n = 34), and low parental autonomy support–low teacher autonomy support (LPLT; n = 131). Moreover, results from linear regression analyses, after controlling for relevant bereavement variables, sociodemographics, and social desirability, showed that perseverance and consistency were negatively related to externalizing problem behavior for adolescents within the HPHL profile; nevertheless, the association between perseverance and externalizing problem behavior turned to be positive for adolescents within the HPLT profile. The current study sheds light on the variability of the association between grit and family-bereaved adolescents’ behavioral adaptation and further enriches the beneficial effect of autonomy support on adaptive functions in a collective cultural setting. The interplay between grit and autonomy support from parents and teachers has a significant influence on buffering externalizing problem behavior among family-bereaved adolescents.

The Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Pain Threshold and Tolerance: Optimism and Grit as Moderators

This study examined factors that may enhance the relationship between resilience and time to pain threshold and tolerance during experimentally induced pain among 62 healthy adults recruited from a student population. Specifically, dispositional optimism and psychological grit were examined as moderators of the relationship between resilience and pain outcomes. Zero-order correlations revealed that resilience was positively related to grit and optimism, though grit and optimism were not significantly related to each other. Resilience, grit and optimism were all positively related to time to pain threshold and tolerance, but not pain severity. Moderation models showed that dispositional optimism enhanced the effect of resilience on both time to pain threshold and tolerance. Grit, on the other hand, was found to enhance the effect of resilience on time to pain threshold, but not time to pain tolerance. These results suggest that positive psychological factors and their interactions may be important with persevering during adverse experiences such as pain.

The Moderating Role of Social Identity and Grit in the Association Between Parental Control and School Adjustment in Chinese Middle School Students

Although the proliferation of empirical research has documented the association between parental control and school adjustment, findings of this linkage are still inconclusive. Moreover, fewer efforts have been made to address this association in middle school students. Guided by an ecological framework, the current study aimed to integrate the conflicting findings into a coherent body of knowledge, paying particular attention to two research purposes: (a) to examine the association between parental control and three objective indicators of school adjustment (social competence, academic grades, and peer acceptance) and (b) to explore whether this association was moderated by individual characteristics of social identity and grit. A total of 120 Chinese middle school students (42.5% females) aged between 13 and 15 years old were recruited for this study, and research data were gathered from multiple sources. To be specific, students were asked to complete a set of self-report questionnaires concerning parental control, social identity, and grit. Meanwhile, school-related social competence was rated by head teachers; academic grades were obtained from school records; and peer acceptance was assessed by sociometric nominations. The results from hierarchical regression analyses showed that parental control was negatively associated with academic grades. Moreover, when reporting higher levels of social identity, parental control was negatively related to social competence and peer acceptance for those students with lower levels of grit. Our findings suggest that parental control can dampen middle school students' academic performance, and low levels of grit can magnify the detrimental effect of parental control on social competence and peer acceptance in middle school students who regard themselves as closely connected to social groups.

The Associations of Parental Harsh Discipline, Adolescents' Gender, and Grit Profiles With Aggressive Behavior Among Chinese Early Adolescents

Although the association between parental harsh discipline and aggressive behavior in adolescence has been well established, little attention has been paid to early adolescence. Moreover, the risk and protective factors (the interplay of parents' and adolescents' gender, the role of grit) in this association during this period are still less explored in the literature. Guided by a socioecological framework, the current study (more exploratory in nature) identified the grit profiles based on two dimensions (i.e., perseverance and consistency) in a sample of Chinese early adolescents; likewise, this study further investigated gender-specific patterns and the moderating role of grit profiles in the association between parental harsh discipline and aggressive behavior. A total of 1,156 Chinese early adolescents (46.5% girls) were involved in this study and completed a set of self-report questionnaires. Latent profile analysis revealed three profiles of grit: low perseverance and low consistency, high perseverance and low consistency, and high perseverance and high consistency. Moreover, linear regression analysis indicated that paternal and maternal harsh discipline were each positively associated with aggressive behavior. The positive association between paternal harsh discipline and aggressive behavior was only significant for adolescent boys with low levels of perseverance and consistency; in contrast, the positive association between maternal harsh discipline and aggressive behavior was significantly stronger for adolescent boys with high levels of perseverance and consistency. These findings suggest that parental harsh discipline presents a risk factor for aggressive behavior, especially for adolescent boys in early adolescence; such a vulnerable effect is more heightened for those with low levels of perseverance and consistency. In addition, although grit is assumed to be a positive personal attribute, maternal harsh discipline to boys in the Chinese family context may disturb their positive development pathway during early adolescence, which is highly discouraged.

Exploring the relationship between resilience and grit among nursing students: A correlational research study

BACKGROUND

Nurse turnover is a critical issue around the world. Finding factors that can increase job persistence in nursing can have a positive impact on both the quality and cost of health care. Resilience and grit have been studied as factors that help an individual persist in the pursuit of their goals. Resilience and grit are related terms that have frequently been used interchangeably, although some studies suggest that they are different constructs. Determining if they are different constructs is important as we seek to develop qualities in new nurses that increase their job persistence and satisfaction.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between resilience and grit in pre-licensure nursing students.

DESIGN/SETTING

This descriptive correlational study was conducted at a midsize private University in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

The convenience sample consisted of students from 3 pre-licensure programs: Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (TBSN), Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and Direct Entry Masters of Science in Nursing (DEMSN). The final sample was 348 students: 79% TBSN, 7% ABSN and 14% DEMSN.

METHODS

Resilience was measured with the Conner-Davidson Resilience 10 item scale. Grit was measured utilizing the Short Grit Scale.

RESULTS

Inspection of the interfactor correlations suggest that resilience and grit scales are distinct, though tend to correlate well. Notably, the relationship between resilience and the persistent effort component of grit was moderate. That correlation was higher than the relationship between the consistent interest component of grit and resilience.

CONCLUSION

This study concludes that grit and resilience are related concepts but are not synonymous. Being mindful of the difference in these two attributes may be important in the development of educational offerings in both Schools of Nursing and in new nurse residency programs to increase retention in nursing.

An examination of grit in black men who have sex with men and associations with health and social outcomes

AIMS

This study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of grit in a sample of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, Maryland.

METHODS

A trained research assistant administered the Short-Grit and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scales and surveyed participants of a community-based behavioral health intervention for demographic, health, and sexual behaviors.

RESULTS

Of 239 participants, two-thirds scored in the high grit category. A greater proportion of men with high grit demonstrated higher educational attainment, were employed in the prior 6 months, reported very good/excellent health, were human immunodeficiency virus-positive, scored < 16 on the CES-D, and had more friends who were gay. After controlling for other variables, high grit was associated with higher odds of having more friends who are gay and lower odds of alcohol use, unemployment, and a high CES-D score.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that grit could be an important mechanism upon which to focus health and behavioral interventions for BMSM.

The protective effects of grit on suicidal ideation in individuals with trauma and symptoms of posttraumatic stress

OBJECTIVE

It is important to understand factors that moderate the likelihood of developing suicidal thoughts following traumatic exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms.

METHOD

In this cross-sectional study, a moderated atemporal mediation analysis was conducted in a sample of 709 college students (71% female, M _age  = 19.90 years, 67% Caucasian) to test the associations between trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and suicidal ideation, with grit entered as a moderator of all paths in the equation.

RESULTS

PTSD symptoms mediated the association between trauma and suicidal ideation. Grit moderated the direct pathway from PTSD symptoms to suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

Grit and other constructs of resiliency may inform strength-focused interventions to remediate the impact of trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms and potentially reduce suicidal thoughts and risk for suicide.

Protective factors do not moderate risk for past-year suicide attempts conferred by recent NSSI

BACKGROUND

NSSI is a robust predictor of suicide attempts but little is known about what factors may serve protective functions in this relationship.

METHODS

This study used a subsample of 828 young adults with past year NSSI. Participants were recruited from two universities to complete an on-line survey that included assessments of past year NSSI frequency and total NSSI methods used (versatility), past year suicide attempts, life satisfaction, subjective happiness, and resilience.

RESULTS

Bootstrapping logistic regression models were used to test the protective factors as moderators between NSSI frequency, versatility and past year suicide attempts. Greater NSSI versatility and past year frequency were significantly associated with greater likelihood of past year suicide attempts in all models. Life satisfaction and subjective happiness were associated with decreased likelihood of past year suicide attempts in all models. Resilience was not associated with past year suicide attempts, and all moderation analyses were non-significant.

LIMITATIONS

Our sample had limited heterogeneity, focused on a college-age population with lower severity relative to clinical samples, and all data were collected on-line.

CONCLUSIONS

NSSI emerged as a robust predictor of recent suicide attempts as the strength of the relationship did not change in the presence of protective factors. Our results highlight the strong relationship between NSSI and suicide attempts that occur within the same time frame (past year in this study), and the need for future research to identify factors that do serve protective functions between NSSI and suicide attempts.