Calling into question the conceptual & empirical distinctiveness of grit vis-à-vis self-control, & the importance of grit as a unique & independent characteristic salient for the pursuit & achievement of long-term goals

To Grit or not to Grit, that is the Question! Alexander T. Vazsonyi et al. Journal of Research in Personalitym https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2018.12.006

Highlights
•    Tested measurement of and the validity of grit, vis-à-vis self-control.
•    Lifecourse sample, from young adulthood to 55+.
•    Grit and self-control largely indistinguishable in predicting long-term goals.

Abstract: The current study tested the validity of grit as a non-cognitive construct related to, yet distinct from self-control. Data were collected from N = 1,907 adults spanning the life-course (53.1% female, M age = 41.4 years). Associations between grit and present and past goals were very similar to ones observed with self-control. Extensive model tests using structural equation modeling provided evidence of substantial overlap between these two constructs, calling into question the conceptual and empirical distinctiveness of grit vis-à-vis self-control, as well as the importance of grit as a unique and independent characteristic salient for the pursuit and achievement of long-term goals. This finding was consistent and invariant across adult developmental periods. Study implications for grit-investment are discussed.