Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of adolescents.

Duckworth, Angela L.; Seligman, Martin E.P.

doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01641.x

Cited by 2,253Grit, Self-Efficacy, and MotivationEducation, Achievement, and GiftednessBehavioral Health and Interventions

Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of adolescents.

Duckworth, Angela L., Seligman, Martin E.P.·2005·Psychological Science

DOI 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01641.x

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Abstract

In a longitudinal study of 140 eighth-grade students, self-discipline measured by self-report, parent report, teacher report, and monetary choice questionnaires in the fall predicted final grades, school attendance, standardized achievement-test scores, and selection into a competitive high school program the following spring. In a replication with 164 eighth graders, a behavioral delay-of-gratification task, a questionnaire on study habits, and a group-administered IQ test were added. Self-discipline measured in the fall accounted for more than twice as much variance as IQ in final grades, high school selection, school attendance, hours spent doing homework, hours spent watching television (inversely), and the time of day students began their homework. The effect of self-discipline on final grades held even when controlling for first-marking-period grades, achievement-test scores, and measured IQ. These findings suggest a major reason for students falling short of their intellectual potential: their failure to exercise self-discipline.

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Authors: Duckworth, A. L., & Seligman, M. E. P.
Affiliations: University of Pennsylvania (US)
Corresponding author: Duckworth, Angela L.
ORCID: Duckworth, Angela L.
Seligman, Martin E.P.
Venue: Psychological Science
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2005-12
Volume: 16
Issue: 12
Pages: 939-944
ISSN: 0956-7976 (ISSN-L)
1467-9280
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01641.x
OpenAlex: W2152831629
Cited by: 2,253
References: 16
Citations by year: 2026: 80 · 2025: 108 · 2024: 108 · 2023: 106 · 2022: 119 · 2021: 126 · 2020: 183 · 2019: 182 · 2018: 139 · 2017: 165 · 2016: 172 · 2015: 147 · 2014: 139 · 2013: 116 · 2012: 106
FWCI: 31.23
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Psychological Science (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: National Institutes of Health (5r01mh063430-05)
National Institute of Mental Health (MH 63430, MH-52270, R01MH052270)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Grit, Self-Efficacy, and Motivation
Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Education, Achievement, and Giftedness
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Behavioral Health and Interventions
Keywords: self-control, academic performance, adolescents, eighth grade students, IQ, delay of gratification, study habits, homework, school attendance, high school selection, achievement test scores, self-report, parent and teacher ratings, television viewing
MeSH terms: Achievement, Adolescent, Female, Humans, Intelligence, Male, Surveys and Questionnaires, Self Efficacy

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Self-discipline outdoes IQ in predicting academic performance of adolescents.

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