Research Trends on Grit among South Korean College Students
AUTHOR : 이상옥, 현주영, 손은령
INFORMATION : page. 151~162 / 2026 Vol.33 No.3
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to analyze research trends in grit among South Korean college students and identify academic trends and implications. A total of 252 articles published in accredited journals between 2016 and 2025 were selected from DBpia, KCI, and RISS and analyzed by publication year, participants, research methods and statistical techniques, research types, and major variables. The results showed that grit research increased overall during the period. Most studies employed quantitative methods, with regression analysis being the most frequently used statistical technique. Research primarily focused on examining structural relationships among variables and their effects, and nursing and health-related fields accounted for a large proportion of the studies. Psychological and emotional variables were most frequently examined among general college students, whereas major- and academic-related variables were predominant in medicine and health-related fields and arts and sports disciplines. Future research should establish a culturally grounded conceptualization of grit, expand qualitative and mixed-methods research, conduct comparative studies across diverse disciplines and variables, and develop practical programs. These findings provide a basis for educational and counseling interventions to enhance college students’ academic development, career development, and life satisfaction.