Abstract. This study examined grit, loneliness, academic performance, and self-concept among high school students with Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents at Fatima National High School in General Santos City. Using a descriptive-correlational design, data were gathered from 133 students through a survey and supplemented by semi-structured interviews with eight respondents. Findings showed very high levels of grit (M = 3.478, SD = 0.070), low levels of loneliness (M = 2.397, SD = 0.095), and high levels of academic performance (M = 2.975, SD = 0.061) and self-concept (M = 3.220, SD = 0.093). Correlation analysis revealed a weak negative relationship between grit and loneliness (r(131) = -0.314, p < .001), a moderate positive relationship between grit and academic performance (r(131) = 0.457, p < .001), and a weak negative relationship between loneliness and self-concept (r(131) = -0.232, p = .007). Qualitative data highlighted students’ resilience and acceptance of their situation as children of OFW parents. These results suggest that grit helps students manage loneliness and achieve academic success despite their circumstances. The weak negative correlation between loneliness and self-concept indicates that improving self-perception could enhance overall well-being. The study recommends implementing a comprehensive psychosocial intervention program to address the challenges faced by these students effectively.

Keywords: Academic performance; Grit; High school students; Loneliness; OFW parent; Philippines; Psychosocial intervention program; Self-concept.