2018 Volume 26 Issue 4 Pages 353-362
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between participation in sports and grit in school-aged children.
Methods: Participants were children aged 10–11 years (n=287, fifth grade), in all elementary schools in Koshu city, Yamanashi. Grit was evaluated through the 8-Item Grit Scale for children. The grit score, total point of the grit scale, and two subscale (perseverance and consistency) scores were calculated. Children's self-report of participation in sports was categorized into two groups: participation or non-participation. Children who participated in sports were further classified into two groups: team or individual sports group. Analysis of covariance adjusted for family socioeconomic status compared grit scores (including two subscale scores) across the sports participation groups. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses evaluated the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the grit scale.
Results: The grit scale showed a 2-factor structure (perseverance and consistency), and adequate internal reliability and construct validity. Perseverance score of boys who participated in sports was significantly higher than those not participating in sports [3.3 (SE, 0.07) vs 3.0 (0.11), p<0.01)]. Comparison of the three categories of sports activities revealed that boys who participated in team sports showed significantly higher perseverance score than those not participating in sports [3.4 (0.08) vs 3.0 (0.11), p<0.01). There were no other significant differences.
Conclusion: This study suggested that sports participation may contribute to development of perseverance among school-aged boys. However, these results need to be confirmed through prospective studies and the other regions.
