Dataset Mental toughness

Due to the multiple detrimental consequences of college dropout, a large body of research has been developed to map the critical individual and college-related antecedents of students’ dropout intentions and ultimate withdrawal behavior. However, the identification of the malleable predictors of these criteria, which are particularly valuable for effective dropout mitigation strategies, requires further attention. The present paper aims to contribute to this topic by examining the influence of mental toughness, conceptualized as a state-like construct, on students’ intentions to leave higher education before graduation. Longitudinal data from a sample of 230 second-year students at a non-residential university, collected in three independent waves, supported the role of mental toughness in counteracting end-of-year dropout intentions. Further analyses revealed that this influence partly occurs via the attainment of higher levels of academic performance (GPA). Key implications of these findings for college dropout prediction and intervention are discussed.