True grit and genetics: Predicting academic achievement from personality.

• DOI: 10.1037/pspp0000089
• Publication Date: 2016-02-12T13:46:36Z
• Authors: Kaili Rimfeld; Yulia Kovas; Philip S. Dale; Robert Plomin
• Keywords: Grit; Conscientiousness; Trait; Facet (psychology); Behavioural genetics

Grit --perseverance and passion for long-term goals --has been shown to be a significant predictor of academic success, even after controlling other personality factors.Here, the first time, we use UK-representative sample genetically sensitive design unpack etiology grit its prediction achievement in comparison well-established traits.For 4,642 16-yearolds (2,321 twin pairs), used Grit-S scale (Perseverance Effort Consistency Interest), along with Big-5 traits, predict scores on General Certificate Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, which are administered UK-wide at end compulsory education.Twin analyses Perseverance yielded heritability estimate 37% (20% Interest) no evidence shared environmental influence.Personality, primarily Conscientiousness, predicts about 6% variance GCSE scores, but adds little this prediction.Moreover, multivariate showed that roughly two-thirds is mediated genetically.Grit Big-5Conscientiousness large extent same trait both phenotypically (r=0.53) (genetic correlation = 0. 86).We conclude highly similar not only showing substantial genetic influence also factors.Personality significantly achievement, or beyond traditional factors, especially Conscientiousness.