Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The development of pupils’ character encompasses the ability to cope with failure, maintain perseverance, regulate behaviour, and achieve meaningful goals. In this context, a growth mindset and grit are two relevant concepts to examine. This study aims to analyse the contribution of these two concepts to the character development of pupils and to identify the relationship between them. The study employs a systematic literature review method, examining 24 studies, comprising 20 studies from two pre-defined literature collections and four additional studies that have been internationally verified. The data were analysed using a narrative-comparative synthesis, taking into account the diversity of populations, research designs, measurements and study outcomes. The findings indicate that a growth mindset is associated with engagement, interest in learning, perseverance, readiness to face challenges and adaptive responses to failure. Meanwhile, grit is associated with sustained effort, self-regulation, academic self-efficacy, engagement and perseverance in the face of difficulties. A number of studies also indicate a positive relationship between these two concepts, although evidence from international meta-analyses suggests that their average effect on performance tends to be moderate and context-dependent. This review contributes to the development of a conceptual understanding of character development in pupils by emphasising that perseverance and belief in one’s developable abilities need to be supported by effective strategies, self-regulation, a conducive environment, and flexibility in evaluating and adjusting goals.
Institution: Universitas Sunan Giri
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223560105