Growth mindset as a mediator between grit and intention to stay among general hospital nurses

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although grit and growth mindset have been independently linked to nurses' work outcomes, little is known about the combination of these two effects on intention to stay. This study investigated the relationships between grit, growth mindset, and intention to stay in nurses, with particular focus on the mediating role of growth mindset. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 202 nurses at general hospitals in Korea. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their grit, growth mindset, and intention to stay. Structural equation modeling and path analysis were employed to test the hypothesized relationships and mediating effects of growth mindset. RESULTS: Grit was positively associated with growth mindset (β = 0.257, p < .01), and growth mindset was positively associated with intention to stay (β = 0.243, p < .01). However, the association between grit and intention to stay was not significant. Growth mindset, on the other hand, fully mediated the relationship between grit and intention to stay (a × b = 0.063, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight growth mindset as a key psychological mechanism translating grit into stronger retention intention among nurses. The results provide both theoretical and practical contributions by establishing growth mindset as an adaptive belief system that institutions are able to nurture through targeted interventions. Structured programs promoting growth-oriented thinking may enhance resilience, job satisfaction, and ultimately nurse retention. For psychiatric nurses, retention may be strengthened by growth-oriented professional development and psychologically safe supervision that help convert perseverance into sustained intention to stay.