Academic Success: Evidence-Based Predictors
Research-Proven Factors That Enhance University Performance
What Are Evidence-Based Predictors of Academic Success?
Decades of rigorous research at universities worldwide—including groundbreaking studies at Stellenbosch University through the FlourishWell4Life project—have identified 24 key psychological and behavioral factors that significantly predict and enhance academic performance in higher education.
These aren't generic study tips or motivational platitudes. They're evidence-based predictors validated through peer-reviewed research, demonstrating measurable links between specific cognitive, emotional, motivational, and behavioral characteristics and academic achievement. From learning strategies and grit to emotional intelligence and physical wellbeing, these predictors represent a holistic understanding of what truly drives student success.
💬 The Power of One Question at a Time
Here's what makes FlourishTalk transformative for academic success: meaningful conversations triggered by thoughtful questions, explored one at a time.
Imagine discussing with a study partner: "How do you distinguish between productive discomfort during learning and pain that signals you need a different approach?" This single question can spark a 20-minute conversation that transforms how both of you study.
Or consider journaling on: "What helps you maintain belief in your academic goals when others express doubt?" One question, explored deeply, can shift your entire relationship with self-efficacy.
FlourishTalk doesn't overwhelm you with advice—it invites you into reflection, one question at a time. These conversations build self-awareness, foster peer support, strengthen mentor relationships, and create actionable insights that generic study guides never could.
The beauty of this approach? You don't need to develop all 24 predictors at once. FlourishTalk helps you identify which factors most need attention in your unique situation, then provides questions that facilitate meaningful conversations and deep reflection about those specific areas.
The 24 Evidence-Based Predictors
Research has organized these predictors into six interconnected categories. Each predictor can be explored through targeted questions that spark meaningful conversations:
Learning Strategies
Study habits, time management, metacognition, note-taking, organization
Curiosity & Love of Learning
Intrinsic interest, intellectual exploration, asking questions, wonder
Critical Thinking & Judgment
Analytical skills, evaluating information, logical reasoning, independent thought
Working Memory & Focus
Concentration, attention management, minimizing distractions, mental stamina
Academic Self-Efficacy
Confidence in abilities, overcoming self-doubt, belief in learning capacity
Intrinsic Motivation
Internal drive, passion for learning, finding meaning in studies
Goal Setting & Mindset
Growth mindset, SMART goals, goal commitment, believing in development
Grit & Perseverance
Persistence through challenges, sustained effort, long-term commitment
Academic Enthusiasm
Engagement with learning, excitement about coursework, passion for discovery
Hope & Optimism
Positive future orientation, expecting good outcomes, staying hopeful
Self-Control & Self-Discipline
Impulse control, resisting distractions, delayed gratification, willpower
Conscientiousness
Organization, responsibility, diligence, attention to detail, meeting deadlines
Mental Toughness & Resilience
Coping with setbacks, bouncing back from failures, composure under pressure
Self-Determination
Autonomy in learning, sense of competence, relatedness, ownership of education
Emotional Intelligence
Self-awareness, emotion regulation, empathy, using emotions constructively
Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)
Relationship skills, social awareness, responsible decision-making
Stress Management
Coping strategies, anxiety reduction, handling exam stress, preventing burnout
Sense of belonging, embracing student identity, overcoming imposter syndrome
Physical Wellbeing
Exercise impact, sleep quality, nutrition for brain function, body-mind connection
EPOCH Wellbeing
Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, Happiness in student life
Positivity & Gratitude
Positive emotions in learning, appreciating opportunities, thankfulness
Equanimity & Balance
Inner peace, balancing academics with life, maintaining perspective
Character Strengths in Academics
Applying VIA strengths (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, transcendence) to learning
Successful Intelligence
Analytical intelligence, creative intelligence, practical intelligence—integrated
Who Benefits from Exploring These Predictors?
Every student—because academic success is multifaceted and personal:
- First-year students navigating the transition to university and establishing effective patterns
- Struggling students seeking to identify which specific factors might be holding them back
- High-achieving students wanting to sustain excellence while maintaining wellbeing
- Students returning after breaks rebuilding motivation and study habits
- Graduate students managing research demands and long-term projects
- Study groups and learning communities having structured conversations about success
- Academic advisors and student success staff facilitating evidence-based discussions
- Parents and mentors supporting students through meaningful questions rather than prescriptive advice
Why Evidence-Based Predictors Matter
Generic study advice often fails because it doesn't account for individual differences or address root causes. Evidence-based predictors work because they:
🔬 Research-Validated Impact
Studies on these predictors show students who develop these factors experience:
- Significantly higher GPAs and course completion rates
- Greater retention and persistence to graduation
- Enhanced deep learning and knowledge retention
- Improved problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Better stress management and mental health
- Stronger social connections and peer support
- Increased confidence and academic self-concept
- More satisfaction with the university experience
- Target root causes, not symptoms: Understand why you're struggling, not just what's going wrong
- Personalize your approach: Different students need different predictors—discover yours
- Build transferable skills: These predictors benefit you beyond university, throughout life
- Create sustainable success: Develop capacities that last, not quick fixes that fade
- Foster holistic development: Integrate cognitive, emotional, social, and physical factors
- Facilitate peer learning: Have conversations that benefit everyone involved
How FlourishTalk Brings Predictors to Life Through Conversation
Reading about predictors is informative. Having conversations about them is transformative. FlourishTalk provides carefully designed questions that:
Spark Deep Reflection—One Question at a Time: Instead of overwhelming lists, explore a single powerful question: "How do you maintain discipline when motivation fades?" That one question can reshape your entire approach to studying.
Facilitate Meaningful Peer Conversations: Use questions with study partners to discover each other's strategies: "What does your ideal study environment look like and how does it help you learn?" Learn from each other's experiences.
Structure Mentoring Relationships: Academic advisors can use these questions to move beyond surface-level check-ins: "What triggers your academic anxiety and how have you learned to manage it?" Real conversations create real support.
Build Self-Awareness Gradually: Journal on one question per day: "How do you know when you've truly understood something versus just memorized it?" Small insights compound into major breakthroughs.
Create Study Group Depth: Start meetings with a single question everyone answers: "What brought you the most academic satisfaction this week?" Build community while building competence.
Ready to Explore What Drives Your Academic Success?
Begin meaningful conversations about the factors that matter most—one question at a time