Intergenerational Transmission of Math Mind-Sets and Adolescents' Math-Related Longitudinal Outcomes

• In Event: STEM Interventions for Learning and Motivation

Abstract

Given the importance of enhancing adolescents’ motivation and persistence in STEM fields, this study scrutinized parents’ views on malleability of math ability (i.e., math mindsets) as one critical psychological predictor for adolescents’ math mindsets as well as their subsequent math-related outcomes, including high school math achievement, college STEM course total grade points, and STEM career attainment. Utilizing the ELS: 2002 data, we found that parents’ growth math mindset positively predicted 10th graders’ growth math mindset, which in turn positively predicted their math-related longitudinal outcomes through higher expectation for success. The current findings suggest that programs aimed at increasing representation in STEM fields should consider integrating parents into their intervention efforts by focusing on not only children’s but also parents’ mindsets.

Authors

• Eunjin Seo, Texas State University

• Yishan Shen, Texas State University

• Edna C. Alfaro, Texas State University