Beneficial Effects of Growth Mindset of Intelligence and Growth Mindset of Personality on Academic Achievement in School-Aged Children

Abstract

Multiple research studies revealed the benefits of adopting a growth mindset of intelligence for students of all ages. However, few studies have investigated the advantage of having a growth mindset of personality or having grit on academic performance. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of grit and implicit theories of intelligence and personality on academic performance in fifth through eighth-grade students. Our hypothesis is that a relatively higher level of grit as well as a growth mindset would result in better academic success. Students were tested in their respective classrooms using questionnaires for grit, mindset of intelligence and mindset of personality. Quarter grades and standardized scores were obtained for all students on topics such as English, reading, language, math and science. Growth mindset of intelligence and growth mindset of personality provided a selective advantage academically to students on classroom grades and on standardized testing, particularly in verbal areas such as English, reading and language. Furthermore, mindset of intelligence predicted significant change in standardized math scores. Grit did not affect academic performance. Our results suggest that educational institutions would benefit from mindset interventions promoting a growth mindset of intelligence and personality in students.

Keywords

• implicit theories of intelligence
• growth mindset of intelligence
• growth mindset of personality
• grit
• academic performance