Abstract: This study examined the predictive relationship between academic hardiness and two key outcomes in undergraduate students: academic performance (measured by GPA) and intent to persist in their academic programs. Using a quantitative, correlational research design, data were collected from a sample of 300 undergraduate students. Results from Pearson correlations and linear regression analyses revealed that academic hardiness was a statistically significant predictor of both GPA and intent to persist. Academic hardiness explained approximately 62% of the variance in GPA and 63% of the variance in persistence intent, demonstrating a strong effect size in both cases. These findings align with previous research suggesting that non-cognitive traits, such as resilience, motivation, and stress tolerance play a vital role in academic success.
Contrary to expectations and previous literature, no statistically significant differences in academic hardiness were found across demographic groups including gender, age, or enrollment status, although a separate analysis revealed that students aged 35 and older exhibited higher levels of hardiness than younger peers. These findings underscore the increasing importance of academic hardiness across diverse student populations and suggest that psychological resilience may no longer be exclusive to post-traditional learners. The study affirms the theoretical relevance of hardiness in educational settings and advocates for institutional strategies that include resilience-building initiatives to improve student outcomes and retention.
Keywords: academic hardiness, GPA, intent to persist, resilience, undergraduate students, non-cognitive factors, student retention.
Title: The Role of Academic Hardiness in Predicting Student Persistence and Performance in Higher Education: A Quantitative Study
Author: Dr. David Augustine Bull
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 3, July 2025 - September 2025
Page No: 47-64
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 16-July-2025
