Examining the Role of Grit and Mindfulness as Protective Mechanisms Against Academic Burnout in University Students: A Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to examine the protective effects of mindfulness and grit in preventing academic burnout among university students. Both grit and mindfulness were adversely linked with burnout (β = -0.470 and β = -0.353, respectively, p <.001), and grit strongly predicted greater levels of mindfulness (β = 0.721, p <.001), according to quantitative data evaluated using a mediation model. Additionally, a significant Sobel test result (Z = -5.22) supported the finding that mindfulness partially mediated the association between grit and burnout, accounting for 54.15% of the total impact. The statistical results were supplemented by qualitative findings that shed light on five main themes: the dual role of grit in encouraging perseverance but also possibly contributing to fatigue; mindfulness as a vital tool for emotional control and resilience; the negative effects of academic pressure on intrinsic motivation; the consequences of institutional neglect on students’ well-being; and the protective effect of peer support. In order to support long-term student engagement and psychological well-being, our findings highlight the significance of cultivating both grit and mindfulness in educational settings.