Exploring factors affecting foreign language achievement: The role of growth mindset, self-efficacy, and L2 grit

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of growth mindset and self-efficacy on foreign language achievement (FLA) in a sample of 379 intermediate learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) while also incorporating the mediation of second language (L2) grit in a structural model. The measurement model was examined using confirmatory factor analysis, and mediation analysis was conducted following Baron and Kenny’s (1986) method to explore the mediating role of L2 grit in the relationship between growth mindset, self-efficacy, and FLA. The results revealed that both L2 grit and English self-efficacy directly predicted FLA. Moreover, the mediation analysis revealed that growth mindset influenced FLA indirectly through the mediating role of L2 grit. These findings suggest that fostering growth mindset and self-efficacy beliefs in language learners could enhance their FLA, and that the development of L2 grit may play a significant role in mediating the relationship between growth mindset and FLA. Implications of these results for language education are discussed, and suggestions for future research are considered.