A-10 Grit Predicts Depression, Anxiety, and Subjective Cognitive Complaints Despite Normal Cognitive Performance in College Athletes

Abstract

Abstract Objective Grit is defined as a non-cognitive variable that assesses perseverance and passion for long-term goals (Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007). Current literature demonstrates a relationship between grit and self-control, self-regulation, depression, and anxiety in collegiate students (Muenks, Wigfield, Yang, & O’Neal, 2017; Akos & Kretchmar, 2017; Salles, et. Al. 2016; Masika Musumar, et al. 2018). However, the relationship between grit and relevant sports neuropsychology variables in college athletes has yet to be explored. Method Division II collegiate athletes (n = 453, ages 18–23, mean age = 19.79) underwent annual pre-participation baseline evaluation, which included the 12-item grit scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder–7 (GAD-7), Sports Concussion Assessment Tool 5th edition (SCAT-5), and Immediate Post Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT). Results Lower levels of grit significantly predicted higher scores on the PHQ-9 (R2 = .053, p < .001), GAD-7 (R2 = .026, p = .002), SCAT-5 total symptoms (R2 = .038, p < .001), and ImPACT symptom score (R2 = .016, p = .015). Interestingly, Grit significantly predicted the ImPACT cognitive symptom cluster (R2 = .029, p = .001), but none of the other symptom clusters or cognitive domains. Similarly, Grit significantly predicted the SCAT-5 cognitive (R2 = .04, p < .001) and sleep clusters (R2 = .016, p = .015). Conclusions Consistent with literature in non-athletes, grit is related to mood difficulties. Uniquely, athletes with lower levels of grit are consistently reporting more cognitive problems, but these perceived cognitive problems are not substantiated by objective neuropsychological testing.