Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2016

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Vallacher, Robin R.

Abstract

Self-concept clarity and grit are important constructs in the self-concept and selfregulation domains. Though distinct in their focus on identity and goal processes, self-concept clarity and grit similarly emphasize the extent to which self-views and goal-perseverance are strong, clear, consistent, and unshakeable. We hypothesized self-knowledge and goalperseverance may be mutually reinforcing given the role of self-knowledge in directing goal pursuit, and of goal pursuit in structuring the self-concept. The present study tested this hypothesis in the form of whether self-concept clarity and grit reciprocally influence one other across time, and was conducted using a daily diary design with 97 college-aged participants across several weeks. Data were analyzed using multilevel cross-lagged panel modeling. Results indicated daily self-concept clarity and grit both had positive influences on each other across time, while controlling for their previous values. The reciprocal influences were also symmetric: self-concept clarity and grit had equally strong influences on each other. The results of the present study are the first to indicate the existence of reinforcing feedback loops between self-concept clarity and grit, and to demonstrate that fluctuations in self-knowledge trigger fluctuations in goal resolve, and vice versa. The results suggest the two are, in part, both causes and consequences of one another.

Extent

55 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00004689

Format

pdf

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