Examining the Curvilinear Relationship between Grit and Burnout in University Student Athletes

Grit is a noncognitive ability that predicts success in various domains and athlete performance and burnout tendencies. Previous studies have shown a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between grit and athlete performance and burnout. However, the curvilinear model and the linear model was not compared. This study aimed to examine the curvilinear relationship between grit (perseverance of effort, consistency of interest, and adaptability to situation), athlete performance and burnout, and somatic symptoms by comparing it with the linear relationship. We surveyed university student athletes (N = 270) and conducted multiple regression and polynomial regression analyses. The models were compared using Akaike’s International Criterion (AIC). The results showed curvilinear relationships between perseverance of effort, emotional exhaustion for athletic practices, total burnout, and somatic symptoms. Additionally, adaptability to situation negatively predicted all burnout subscales. However, consistency of interest positively predicted lack of personal accomplishment. These results indicate that athletes with high perseverance of effort have higher burnout tendency. Furthermore, interventions that enhance adaptability to situation, rather than perseverance of effort and consistency of interest, can prevent burnout in athletes.