Grit and Academic Success in Graduate Masters-Level Athletic Training Programs

Abstract

: A construct termed grit, a non-cognitive personality trait, defined as the perseverance and passion for achieving long-term goals, was introduced by Duckworth et al. Grit entails working tirelessly to reach goals while maintaining determination and interest despite obstacles that hinder progress. Although grit-scale surveys are included as part of the application process in other healthcare professional education programs, no published literature cites grit-scale surveys as part of the applications process in Masters-level athletic training (MSAT) programs. The problem addressed is the current lack of gritscale utilization during the admission process to MSAT programs as a non-cognitive tool to contribute to identifying applicants who will be academically successful. The National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research Survey Service was utilized to send a web-based survey to over 1000 email addresses. Data was analyzed using the most current version of SPSS (26.0) and was analyzed over four stages. All variables in the study were examined using descriptive statistics. Examples of descriptive statistical analysis used were mean and standard deviation, nominal/ordinal level frequency and percentage of categorical variables, and interval and ratio levels of values for continuous variables. Results of the study uncovered that Grit-S scores were higher in participants who attempted to complete the BOC exam more than once. Grit-S scores were lower in participants who had experienced severe human suffering. No demographic variable (age, racial and ethnic identity, gender) was found to correlate with the Grit-S score. Although the first-time pass rate of the BOC exam was not positively correlated with a higher grit score, Grit continues to reveal itself as a positive indicator of academic success. To maintain and increase alignment with other healthcare professional education programs, the use of Grit-S assessments during the admissions process as an identifier of applicants who will maintain determination and interest, despite failures, setbacks, and plateaus is recommended.