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. 2023 Mar;93(1):134-152.
doi: 10.1111/bjep.12544. Epub 2022 Sep 15.

The mindsets × societal norm effect across 78 cultures: Growth mindsets are linked to performance weakly and well-being negatively in societies with fixed-mindset norms

Nigel Mantou Lou  1   2 , Liman Man Wai Li  3   4
Affiliations

The mindsets × societal norm effect across 78 cultures: Growth mindsets are linked to performance weakly and well-being negatively in societies with fixed-mindset norms

Nigel Mantou Lou et al. Br J Educ Psychol. 2023 Mar.

Abstract

Background/aims: Recent research on mindsets has shifted from understanding its homogenous role on performance to understanding how classroom environments explain its heterogeneous effects (i.e., Mindsets × Context hypothesis). Does the macro context (e.g., societal level of student mindsets) also help explain its heterogeneous effects? And does this interaction effect also apply to understanding students' well-being? To address these questions, we examined whether and how the role of students' mindsets in performance (math, science, reading) and well-being (meaning in life, positive affect, life satisfaction) depends on the societal-mindset norms (i.e., Mindsets × Societal Norm effect).

Sample/methods: We analysed a global data set (n = 612,004 adolescents in 78 societies) using multilevel analysis. The societal norm of student mindsets was the average score derived from students within each society.

Results: Growth mindsets positively and weakly predicted all performance outcomes (rs = .192, .210, .224), but the associations were significantly stronger in societies with growth-mindset norms. In contrast, the associations between growth mindsets and psychological well-being were very weak and inconsistent (rs = -.066, .003, .008). Importantly, the association was negative in societies with fixed-mindset norms but positive in societies with growth-mindset norms.

Conclusions: These findings challenge the idea that growth mindsets have ubiquitous positive effects in all societies. Growth mindsets might be ineffective or even detrimental in societies with fixed-mindset norms because such societal norms could suppress the potential of students with growth mindsets and undermines their well-being. Researchers should take societal norms into consideration in their efforts to understand and foster students' growth.

Keywords: PISA; culture; mindset; norm; performance, well-being.

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References

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