Grit is a construct that refers to the ability to maintain commitment and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals despite obstacles and difficulties. The concept was popularized by A. Duckworth, who defined grit as a combination of two aspects that enable individuals to achieve significant goals despite adversity. These two dimensions of grit are perseverance of effort (PE) and consistency of interest (CI) (Duckworth et al., 2007). The importance of grit in both personal and professional life is invaluable. Individuals with a high level of grit are more likely to take on challenges, continue learning, and engage in self-improvement, which leads to greater self-esteem and life satisfaction. The link between grit and educational achievement is undeniable and has been demonstrated across various social and cultural systems, as confirmed by research conducted worldwide (Arya & Lal, 2018; Datu et al., 2018; Postigo et al., 2020; Yerofeyeva & Nartova-Bochaver, 2020).
The aim of the present study was to examine whether grit can be considered a protective factor against stress in the period of emerging adulthood. In a study conducted among young adults, significant correlations were found between the level of grit (measured using the Short Grit Scale – SGS by A.L. Duckworth) and the level of experienced stress, assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale – PSS-10 (adapted by Z. Juczyński and N. Ogińska-Bulik). The results suggest that developing grit during childhood and adolescence may contribute to better stress resilience in young adults.