Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance · chapter 5 · member edition

Grit Grows

So what

The ‘grit grows’ chapter rests on cross-sectional data misrepresented as developmental evidence, and a four-part growth model with zero RCT validation. Twin studies suggest grit’s variance is primarily genetic and non-shared environmental – not the kind of thing school programs can change.

Verdict

SignificantBS

Claims checked in this chapter (7)

contested⚠ re-audit pending
Grit can be developed and grown over time -- it is not fixed. Older adults show more grit than younger adults.
unsupported⚠ re-audit pending
Grit increases through a combination of interest development, deliberate practice, purpose, and hope.
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
Duckworth proposes a four-asset model for growing grit: interest, practice, purpose, and hope -- each of which can be deliberately cultivated.
contested⚠ re-audit pending
The maturity principle in personality psychology shows that people become more conscientious, agreeable, and emotionally stable as they age, and grit follows a similar pattern.
unsupported⚠ re-audit pending
Grit can be developed at any age -- it is not a fixed trait determined in childhood but continues to grow through deliberate effort and experience.
needs context⚠ re-audit pending
Personality traits including grit show meaningful change across the lifespan, contradicting the idea that personality is set in stone by early adulthood.
unsupported⚠ re-audit pending
Specific grit-building interventions in schools and organizations can produce measurable increases in grit scores and related outcomes.