Development and validation of the Triarchic Model of Grit Scale (TMGS): Evidence from Filipino undergraduate students

Abstract

Previous studies conducted in different settings have raised criticisms regarding the two-factor model of grit (perseverance of effort+consistency of interests) and its ability to account for individual differences in this personal attribute. A recent qualitative investigation in the Philippines (a collectivist society) suggests that a Triarchic Model of Grit may be more appropriate, with dimensions of perseverance of effort, consistency of interests, and adaptability to situations. The study reported here, involving Filipino undergraduate students, had three interrelated phases to investigate psychometric properties of a newly developed Triarchic Model of Grit Scale (TMGS). In Phase 1 the factor structure of TMGS was determined by exploratory factor analysis. In Phase 2 the scale was refined through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). In Phase 3 the revised scale was cross-validated using CFA with a replication sample. Results indicated that scores from TMGS were valid, reliable and invariant across gender. Grit dimensions were associated with academic, career exploration, and talent development self-efficacy, as well as conscientiousness.