This research delves into the dynamics of growth mindset, ideal L2 self, grit, and student engagement using well-established data collection instruments in the context of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learning. A sample comprising 379 participants drawn from diverse language institutes in Iran, provided empirical data for this study. Employing structural equation modeling and validated scales for each construct, the study unveils a partially mediated model, illuminating the intricate relationships among the variables under investigation. The findings reveal that both ideal L2 self and growth mindset exert a significant influence on student engagement, with grit serving as a crucial partial mediator in these associations. Moreover, growth mindset demonstrates a notable indirect effect on student engagement, primarily mediated by grit. The study not only advances our understanding of motivational drivers in EFL learning but also yields practical insights for educators and curriculum designers seeking to bolster student engagement and perseverance in language learning environments.
