The Nitty Gritty of Stress and Mental Health: The Role of Grit in Moderating the Relationship Between Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Recent research has noted that university students are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety at higher rates than before, perhaps as a result of unprecedented stressors. While educators and practitioners are unlikely to be able to reduce the number of stressors their students experience, our research with a university sample suggests that helping students develop grit may help interrupt the relationship between stress and diminished mental health. The article concludes with strategies for developing grit.