Grit as the predictor of flow and buoyancy among Duolingo multiple language learners: the mediating roles of perceived competence and competitiveness

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between grit and psychological flow and academic buoyancy among Duolingo users, with perceived competence and competitiveness as mediating factors. A sample of 191 Duolingo multiple language learners, selected through convenience sampling, participated in the study by completing self-report questionnaires measuring their grit, psychological flow, academic buoyancy, perceived competence, and competitiveness. Path analysis results revealed that persistence of effort directly and positively predicted both psychological flow and academic buoyancy, whereas consistency of interest was only a positive predictor of psychological flow. Additionally, the findings demonstrated that persistence of effort predicted both psychological flow and academic buoyancy through the mediation of perceived competence and predicted psychological flow through the mediation of competitiveness. In contrast, consistency of interest did not predict either psychological flow or academic buoyancy through the mediating effects of perceived competence or competitiveness. These findings underscore the importance of grit as a crucial determinant of user engagement in Duolingo’s language learning activities and their ability to navigate the challenges inherent in acquisition through this platform. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.