What Numbers Don't Tell Us: Can Sociodemographic Factors Identify Grit, Resilience, and Imposter Phenomenon in Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Students?

Authors

Benton Lindaman, Tufts UniversityFollow
Marlena Calo, La Trobe UniversityFollow
Brandon Ness, Tufts UniversityFollow
James Smoliga, Tufts UniversityFollow
Moyo B. TIllery, Tufts UniversityFollow
Suzanne Trotter, Tufts UniversityFollow
Liana Wooten, Tufts UniversityFollow
Shefali Christopher, Tufts UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether routinely collected sociodemographic admissions criteria (e.g., first-generation status, race, government assistance, youth employment) could serve as proxies for non-cognitive traits such as grit, resilience, and imposter phenomenon in hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted among first-year students (N=100) across three accelerated, hybrid DPT programs. Students completed validated instruments measuring grit (Grit-O), general resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), academic resilience (Academic Resilience Scale), and imposter phenomenon (Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale) during their first semester. Sociodemographic data were obtained from admissions applications. Between-group comparisons were analyzed using independent t-tests and effect size calculations. Results: No significant differences were observed between sociodemographic groups for grit, academic resilience, general resilience, or imposter phenomenon. Histogram analyses confirmed comparable score distributions across all predictor variables. The mean grit composite score (3.83) aligned with published postgraduate norms, indicating overall consistency with prior literature. Conclusions: Sociodemographic admissions criteria did not predict differences in grit, resilience, or imposter phenomenon among hybrid DPT students. These traits appear broadly distributed across diverse groups and are not adequately captured by existing admissions variables. Findings reinforce that sociodemographic proxies are insufficient for evaluating non-cognitive strengths. Recommendations: Admissions committees should consider incorporating additional methods, such as structured interviews or personal essays, to directly evaluate non-cognitive attributes. Furthermore, embedding individualized supports within DPT curricula may help nurture resilience and persistence across all learners, regardless of background.

Author Bio(s)

Benton Lindaman, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Tufts University School of Medicine in Seattle, WA.

Marlena Calo, PT, is a Senior Lecturer and Physiotherapy Clinical Education Manager at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Brandon Ness, PT, DPT, PhD, is Co-Director of Student Affairs and Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University in Boston, MA.

James M. Smoliga, DVM, PhD, is Director of Research and Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University in Seattle, WA.

Moyo Tillery, PT, DPT, is Director of Admissions and Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University in Boston, MA.

Suzanne Trotter, PT, MPT, ScD, is Director of Student Affairs and Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University in Seattle, WA.

Liana Wooten, PT, DPT, PhD, is Co-Director of Admissions and Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University in Phoenix, AZ.

Shefali Christopher, PT, DPT, PhD, LAT, ATC, is Director of Admissions and Associate Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Medicine, Tufts University in Seattle, WA.

Recommended Citation

Lindaman B, Calo M, Ness B, Smoliga J, TIllery MB, Trotter S, et al. What Numbers Don't Tell Us: Can Sociodemographic Factors Identify Grit, Resilience, and Imposter Phenomenon in Hybrid Doctor of Physical Therapy Students?. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Mar 03;24(1), Article 10.