Growth Mindset, Stress, & Test Anxiety in Middle School Students

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: Division C - Section 2b: Learning and Motivation in Social and Cultural Contexts Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Middle school can be a time of intense stress and self-doubt, but what if a simple mindset shift could ease that discomfort? This study examined the effect of a growth mindset intervention on middle school students’ (N = 2,433) growth mindset beliefs, stress, and anxiety. The intervention taught students that intelligence can be developed and increased, rather than being seen as a fixed trait. In a large, school-based randomized-controlled trial, the intervention significantly increased students’ growth mindset beliefs. These increases, in turn, were linked to meaningful reductions in both stress and anxiety levels. These findings suggest that fostering a growth mindset of intelligence may help reduce middle school students’ psychological distress and improve emotional resilience.

Authors

• Eva M Lucignano, Rowan University

• Tenelle Porter, Rowan University