Beyond Grit and GPA: The Role of Existential Academic Intent as a Mediator Between Self-Concept Clarity and Meaningful Achievement in Higher Education

Arpita Kaswa

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84457

Beyond Grit and GPA: The Role of Existential Academic Intent as a Mediator Between Self-Concept Clarity and Meaningful Achievement in Higher Education

Author(s)	Ms. Arpita Kaswa
Country	India
Abstract	Traditional models of academic achievement emphasize cognitive skills, study habits, and non-cognitive traits like grit. Yet a growing number of university students report high grades alongside profound emptiness, raising questions about the meaning of their achievement. This paper introduces and validates the construct of Existential Academic Intent (EAI) , the degree to which a student’s academic engagement is consciously aligned with their evolving sense of self and perceived life purpose. Across two mixed-method studies (N₁ = 412, N₂ = 287 longitudinal), we found that EAI mediates the relationship between self-concept clarity and what we term meaningful achievement (a composite of objective performance, subjective vitality during studying, and low regret about time spent). Notably, EAI predicts meaningful achievement beyond grit, growth mindset, and conscientiousness. Qualitative thematic analysis of 34 in-depth interviews reveals four archetypes of academic intent: Instrumental, Performative, Exploratory, and Existential. Only the last two correlate with flourishing. We discuss implications for redefining student success, designing interventions for intentionality, and moving psychology from “fixing deficits” to “cultivating significance.”
Keywords	academic intent, meaningful achievement, self-concept clarity, existential psychology, student well-being, higher education
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-24
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84457

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Beyond Grit and GPA: The Role of Existential Academic Intent as a Mediator Between Self-Concept Clarity and Meaningful Achievement in Higher Education

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