The study explored the role of Grit and future selves in motivational intensity and persistence in second language (L2) learning. Questionnaire data were collected from 94 learners of Chinese as a foreign language in the context of the United States. Multiple regression results showed that the Perseverance of Effort (POE) component of Grit along with Ideal L2 Self/Own and Ought L2 Self/Own significantly predicted Motivational Intensity. In addition, the relationship between POE and Motivational Intensity was mediated by the two selves. With Persistence as the outcome variable, POE, Ideal L2 Self/Own and Ideal L2 Self/Other emerged as positive predictors whereas Ought L2 Self/Other was a negative predictor. Furthermore, Ideal L2 Self/Own mediated the relationship between POE and Persistence. The results cast doubt on the validity of Grit as a unitary construct, suggest that different selves predict qualitatively different motivated behaviors, and confirm that POE along with future selves form a strong motivational force.

该研究探讨了毅力和未来自我在第二语言（L2）学习的动机强度和持久性中的作用。问卷调查数据是从94个以美国为背景的中文学习者中收集的。多元回归结果表明，毅力的毅力（POE）成分以及理想的L2自我/自我和应有的L2自我/自我显着预测了动机强度。此外，POE与动机强度之间的关系由两个自我调节。以持久性作为结果变量，POE，理想的L2自我/拥有和理想的L2自我/其他成为积极的预测因素，而应有的L2自我/其他则成为负面的预测因素。此外，理想的L2自我/自我介导了POE与持久性之间的关系。