A recent study examining the perseverance of first-year dentistry students at CEU Makati has found that an online intervention designed to enhance grit did not produce significant changes in their levels of perseverance. The findings, published in the journal ISPCE Bulletin, suggest that these students already demonstrate a high degree of resilience, raising questions about the effectiveness of short-term interventions in cultivating this trait.
The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental design, measuring grit levels before and after a four-week online programme. The intervention was based on the psychological framework of grit, which includes interest, deliberate practice, purpose, and hope. These components were integrated into structured activities aimed at reinforcing students’ perseverance in the face of academic challenges. Despite these efforts, the results showed no meaningful increase in grit levels between pre-test and post-test assessments.
Joane Mae A. Regaspi, a researcher from Centro Escolar University-Makati, explained the significance of grit in dentistry. “Dentistry is a high-stress, rigorous field that requires intellectual ability, perseverance, and resilience. Especially for first-year students who face a significant transition, encountering academic pressures and the challenges of developing intricate practical skills.”
One explanation for these findings is that the participating students already had strong perseverance and resilience before the study began. The majority of students were categorised as gritty in the pre-test, with only a small percentage falling into the lower categories. This suggests that students who enter demanding academic fields such as dentistry may already possess a natural ability to withstand pressure, making additional interventions less impactful.
Regaspi highlighted the established link between grit and academic success. “Research has demonstrated that grit is a significant predictor of success in multiple fields. Most studies indicate a positive correlation between grit levels and academic achievement among dentistry students and other professions, emphasizing the importance of cultivating grit as a vital aspect of education. Identifying and enhancing grit in the early stages of dental education can provide students with a strong foundation for their future careers.”
Another factor influencing the results may have been the short duration of the intervention. Developing traits like grit requires time and consistent reinforcement, and a four-week programme may not be sufficient to bring about measurable change. Long-term interventions, particularly those integrated into the academic curriculum over an extended period, may prove more effective in strengthening perseverance. Additionally, the nature of the intervention itself could have played a role. Since all sessions were conducted online due to lockdown restrictions, students may not have engaged with the programme as deeply as they would have in a face-to-face setting. Virtual learning environments present unique challenges, including reduced interaction, distractions, and difficulties in maintaining motivation.
Regaspi noted the study’s key takeaway. “The primary finding of the study indicates that first-year dentistry students at CEU Makati exhibit a substantial level of grit, which equips them to effectively confront the challenges and demands associated with their academic programme. Furthermore, the impact of the implemented online intervention was minimal and did not yield a significant increase in the students’ levels of grit.”
The study also highlights the importance of external factors in grit development. While the intervention focused on individual strategies, elements such as peer support, mentorship, and academic structures can also play a crucial role in helping students sustain motivation. Future research may need to explore how a combination of individual and environmental support can contribute to perseverance in educational settings.
Regaspi suggested potential directions for future research. “Future research endeavors may consider conducting longitudinal studies to examine the development of grit among dentistry students throughout their academic journey and into their professional careers. Additionally, researchers may focus on the creation and evaluation of targeted interventions aimed at fostering grit within this population. It is further suggested to expand the scope of the investigation to include other determinants of student success, such as overall well-being and the presence of social support systems.”
