Relationship among Grit, Exercise Flow and Self-Efficacy in University Team Sport Athletes

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of grit on exercise flow and self-efficacy among collegiate team sport athletes, while further examining the specific predictive role of exercise flow in enhancing self-efficacy. Method: The sample consisted of 150 male collegiate athletes specializing in basketball, volleyball, baseball, and soccer. All participants were registered with the Korean Sports & Olympic Committee in 2024 and resided in the Seoul metropolitan area. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire assessing grit, exercise flow, and self-efficacy. Following exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability testing, correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to examine the structural relationships among the variables. Results: The findings revealed several distinct relationships. First, consistency of interest—a subfactor of grit—exerted a positive influence on both the cognitive and behavioral dimensions of exercise flow. Second, while consistency of interest positively predicted self-regulatory efficacy and perceived task difficulty, it negatively impacted confidence. In contrast, perseverance of effort, the other grit subfactor, significantly and positively influenced self-confidence. Third, cognitive flow was a significant positive predictor of self- regulatory efficacy and perceived task difficulty, whereas behavioral flow was specifically associated with self-regulatory efficacy. Conclusion: These results suggest that grit, characterized by sustained interest and persistent effort, is a vital psychological resource for fostering flow and self-efficacy in competitive team sports. Notably, the cognitive aspects of flow are inextricably linked to self-regulation and the pursuit of challenging tasks. Consequently, coaching strategies should focus on nurturing long-term commitment and cognitive engagement to effectively enhance athletes’ self-efficacy and overall performance.