The Indirect Power of Cognitive Flexibility on Grit: The Serial Mediation of Self- Efficacy and Resilience

Cognitive flexibility is a fundamental skill that facilitates individuals' adaptation to changing conditions and the development of alternative strategies; however, the effect of this skill on grit and the mediating mechanisms in this relationship have not been sufficiently clarified in literature. This study aims to examine the effect of cognitive flexibility on grit among university students and the sequential mediating roles of self-efficacy and resilience in this relationship. The sample consisted of 605 undergraduate students aged 17-27 from various universities in Turkiye. Data were collected using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, and Short Grit Scale, and mediation analysis was performed. The findings showed that cognitive flexibility predicted grit both directly and indirectly through self-efficacy and resilience; self-efficacy and resilience functioned as mediating variables both independently and sequentially. The results reveal that cognitive flexibility, self- efficacy, and resilience collectively play a critical role in sustaining university students' commitment to their long-term goals.