Motivation and emotion/Book/2023/Growth mindset and mental health
What is the relationship between growth mindset and mental health?
Overview
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Case study
Alex has recently received a diagnosis of anxiety and depression. For an extended period, Alex has grappled with significant social anxiety, which has impacted his ability to engage in various activities and events, increases his experience of depression. Over time, his struggles have solidified his belief that these challenges are inescapable, this is not uncommon for individuals dealing with hardships. Despite seeking therapy for an extended duration, Alex remains entrenched in this fixed mindset. For Alex to develop a growth mindset and positively support his mental health, he must acknowledge and understand how to reach this. |
Understanding the relationship between a growth mindset and mental health is essential. It underscores the potential for personal growth, resilience and improved well-being. It will inform various fields and with the right knowledge, will empower individuals to take proactive steps towards supporting their mental health and improving overall quality of life. A growth mindset clearly displays having a passion for stretching and believing in yourself in challenging times is the hallmark of the growth mindset (Dweck, 2016). It fundamentally shapes ones approach to learning, challenges and personal development. Individuals with a growth mindset display persistent effort and view setbacks at stepping stones on the path to improvement. A growth mindset encourages open-mindedness and a thirst for knowledge, as individuals seek out opportunities to acquire new skills and seek feedback for continuous improvement. It instills resilience, enabling a positive attitude and a commitment to further progress towards self-improvement and personal development.
The relationship between a growth mindset and mental health is a dynamic and impactful one, influencing how individuals perceive and cope with mental health challenges. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of a growth mindset as a protective factor against mental health issues. This transformation is driven by neuroplasticity, allowing individuals to adapt, learn, enhance cognitive abilities, and overcome areas. Studies highlight the significant role a growth mindset plays in shaping how individuals approach and navigate their mental health journey.
The concept of a growth mindset has gained recognition not only in educational and professional contexts but also within mental health treatment. This perspective, which asserts that intelligence and abilities can develop through determination and learning, holds potential for promoting mental well-being and addressing mental health issues. A growth mindset emphasises the belief that challenges are opportunities for improvement. To cultivate a growth mindset, determination and intrinsic motivation are crucial, both of which are intricately connected to the brain's neuroplasticity. Additionally, recognising that learning is a lifelong journey, demanding a commitment to seeking new opportunities, experiences and perspectives. The adoption of a growth mindset offers a powerful framework for enhancing mental well-being and resilience.
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Understanding a growth mindset
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Mindset theory
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Carol Dweck (see Figure 1) is a leading expert in the field of motivation. She holds the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professorship of Psychology at Stanford University (Wikipedia, 2023). Carol Dweck is known for her work in motivation and mindset. The Cambridge dictionary defined mindset as a persons way of thinking and their opinions (Cambridge, 2023). Carol Dweck's mindset theory dates back to the early 1970's, publishing her book titled 'Mindset, The New Psychology of Success: How We Can Lean to Fulfil our Potential, in 2006. Here she introduced and defined two types of mindsets, fixed and growth (see Figure 2). The fixed mindset is concerned with believing your qualities are craved into stone, creating an urgency to prove yourself over and over (Dweck, 2016). However, a growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts (Dweck, 2016).
As you begin to understand the fixed and growth mindsets, you will see exactly how one thing leads to another—how a belief that your qualities are carved in stone leads to a host of thoughts and actions, and how a belief that your qualities can be cultivated leads to a host of different thoughts and actions, taking you down an entirely different road (Dweck, 2016).
Growth mindset theory
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A growth mindset displays having a passion for stretching and believing in yourself in challenging times is the hallmark of the growth mindset (Dweck, 2016). We have seen that students who have a growth mindset tend to see difficult tasks as a way to increase their abilities, these students will also seek out challenging learning experiences that enable them to do so (Claro, et al., 2016). Individuals who demonstrate a growth mindset are often associated with experiencing the benefits of Neuroplasiticty. Neuroplasticity is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth. Neuroplasiticty and growth mindset are closely aligned in their ability to promote a healthy mind.
Components of growth mindset
editDweck asserts that individuals harbouring a growth mindset are committed to their personal development, agreeing that you can always substantially change how intelligent you are (Dweck, 2007). Dweck has not clearly defined specific components of growth mindset but after research and developing an understanding, several areas stand out. By incorporating these principles, individuals can navigate challenges with a more positive outlook, embrace their own potential for growth, and work toward building a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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| Component of a growth mindset | Description |
|---|---|
| Determination | The inner drive that fuels their persistence in the face of setbacks and obstacles |
| Seeking new opportunities | Actively seeking out activities, relationships and experiences that will contribute to ones own success |
| Viewing challenges positively | Embracing challenges with a positive mindset involves reframing difficulties as opportunities for growth and learning |
| Persisting regardless of setbacks | Maintaining determination and effort even when facing setbacks and failures. Resilience is essential. |
| Embracing feedback | Being open and receptive to constructive criticism and using it as a tool for improvement. |
| Finding lessons in others success | Being inspired by others achievements and using them as motivation to set and achieve individual goals. |
| Believing in personal development | Having confidence in individual potential to increase engagement and commitment. |
| Remaining open minded | Being receptive to new ideas, promoting learning and adaptability. |
Understanding mental health
editMental health is a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It exists on a complex continuum, which is experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes (World Health Organisation, 2022). Mental illness continues to disable individuals, families and communities (Keyes & Lopez, 2002).
Ones mental health can be determined by multiple individual, social and structural determinants. Exposure to unfavourable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances can increase risk of mental health conditions (World Health Organisation, 2022). Mental health practitioners struggle with scientific and practical limitations, and mental illness continues to cast a daunting shadow on the well-being of people (Keyes & Lopez, 2002). In 2021, an estimated 43.7% of the Australian population aged 16-85 have experienced a mental health disorder in their lifetime (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2021).
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (DSM-5) specially describes anxiety as excessive worry and apprehensive expectations (see Figure 3), occurring more days than not for at least 6 months, about a number of events or activities. The anxiety, worry or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning (Arnold, 2022).
Individuals who suffer from major depressive disorder, depression or clinical depression experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest (Truschel, 2022). The DSM-V clearly outlines the criteria to make a diagnosis of depression. The DSM-V introduced two additional specifiers to enhance the classification of depression diagnoses in individuals. These specifiers offer a more nuanced understanding of the condition. With mixed features - allows for the presence of manic symptoms for those who do not meet the full criteria. As well as, with anxious distress - the presence of anxiety. This refined approach leads to better-informed treatment strategies, which can be tailored to the specific needs of each individuals (Truschel, 2022).
How having a growth mindset can be utilised to treat mental health
editThe concept of a growth mindset has received attention not only in educational and professional settings but also in the realm of mental health treatment. The idea that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and learning can indeed be harnessed as a valuable tool in promoting mental well-being and treating mental health challenges. Here's how a growth mindset can be utilised in mental health treatment.
According to Dweck, challenging situations can be catastrophic for those with fixed mindsets because of the implication that if they don’t already have the skills or intelligence to complete a task, there’s no chance of improvement. When you have a growth mindset, you believe you can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, which makes every challenge a learning opportunity. Given the numerous challenges entrepreneurs face, a growth mindset can be a powerful tool as you work toward your venture’s success (Cote, 2022).
Developing a growth mindset
editDeveloping a growth mindset involves taking small steps to expand your horizons and challenge yourself beyond your comfort zone. It means being open-minded to new ideas and experiences, and going with the flow of life's changes rather than resisting them. Importantly, it's about accepting that setbacks and failures are opportunities for learning and growth. With determination, you can embrace these principles, gradually shifting your mindset to a growth mindset, one that thrives on continuous improvement and resilience.
Determination
editTo cultivate a growth mindset, one must possess determination (see Figure 4) and intrinsic motivation. This determination is intricately connected to the brain's neuroplasticity, as it allows individuals to essentially convince themselves that they have the intrinsic motivation necessary to adopt a growth mindset. This process can be linked to the placebo effect, where the belief in one's capacity for determination and motivation acts as a catalyst for actualising these qualities. Craike and Coleman (2005) found that self-determination was associated with below average levels of depression regardless of levels of stress, and had greater association with reduced depression when stress was high. Additionally, studied conducted by Thomas and others (2019) found that self-directed care (SDC) allows people with mental health conditions to have the opportunity to select goods and services to achieve their recovery goals. SDC facilitates empowerment and self-determination and therefore empowers people with mental health issues to make decisions for their own wellbeing.
Learning and seeking out new opportunities
editTo embrace a growth mindset, it is essential to recognise that learning is a lifelong journey and the need to seek out new opportunities is crucial to personal development. It was found that having children focus on the process that leads to learning, can foster a growth mindset and its benefits (Dweck, 2016), highlighting the importance of focusing on the learning process, which sets the stage for understanding how neuroplasticity plays a crucial role. Neuroplasticity happens when an individual is learning. Cahill (2022) found that the mindsets of teachers, parents, and peers can influence students’ mindsets, and suggested that schools and educators should consider providing resources and tools to both students and their families when working to support a growth mindset. This underlines the significance of a collective effort in nurturing growth mindsets (see Figure 5), with schools and educators considering resources and tools not only to students but also to their families as a means to support this mindset shift. By engaging in learning and seeking out new opportunities and experiences, individuals are not only expanding their knowledge, enhancing their skills and being confidence but they are building a fostering, growth mindset. The mindset shift, achieved through a commitment to learning and embracing opportunities, can significantly enhance mental health by fostering a profound sense of accomplishment, purpose, and overall life satisfaction.
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Case study
Alex reaches a turning point. Rather than being confined by his mental health challenges, he starts to entertain the idea that there might be opportunities for change and improvement. Through embracing the potential for growth, Alex begins to confront his challenges with renewed determination. He recognises that his journey won't be without setbacks, but this doesn't deter him. Instead, he views setbacks as opportunities to learn, adjust his strategies, and move forward. As Alex opens himself up to this shift in thinking, he also becomes more receptive to trying novel strategies. Rather than solely relying on conventional methods, he explores a range of therapeutic techniques, coping strategies, and lifestyle changes. This newfound openness broadens his perspective and introduces him to a variety of tools that contribute to his overall well-being. Alex slowly regains control over his mental health. He starts to challenge the fixed narrative he had previously held about his life and prospects. While the journey is far from linear, the growth mindset instills in him a sense of agency over his own healing process. As he persists through the challenges, seeks out new perspectives, and adopts strategies tailored to his unique needs, Alex sets forth on a path of transformation, healing, and self-improvement. |
Determining the relationship between a growth mindset and mental health
editThe interplay between the concept of growth mindset and mental health is a dynamic and impactful relationship that shapes how individuals perceive, cope, and ultimately overcome mental health challenges. In recent years, researchers and professionals have recognised the influence that one's mindset can have on their mental well-being. By exploring the intricate ties between mental health and a growth mindset, we uncover powerful research.
There is reason to believe that a growth mindset is a potential protective factor against mental health issues (Lai, et al., 2022). Growth mindset has shown its unique potential in countering the growing prevalence of mental distress in the general population (Huang, Shi & Wang, 2022). The growth mindset has long-lasting positive effects on adolescent mental health (Lai, et al., 2022). For an individual to cope with mental health challenges, they must cultivate a growth mindset, this transformation is achieved through the concept of neuroplasticity. The endorsing of a growth mindset can be justified by the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the capacity of the brain to modify its neural connections through learning (Sarrasin, et al., 2018). The brains' neuroplasticity allows an individual to develop a growth mindset and therefore adapt, learn new things, enhance existing cognitive capabilities and strengthen areas where the function is lost (Cherry, 2022).
Supporting this perspective, a study by Tao et al. (2022) found a compelling connection between the number of stressful life events, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, substance use, and non-suicidal self-injury. This study found that individuals with a growth mindset exhibited lower associations with mental health challenges than those with a fixed mindset, showing that having a growth mindset can enhance ones reliance on mental health. Expanding on this foundation, Burnette and others (2020) discovered a positive correlation between a growth mindset and active coping. Active coping is being aware of the stressor, followed by attempts to reduce the negative outcomes.
Researchers have proposed three distinct types of coping styles: problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping and avoidance coping (Wu, et al., 2020). Individuals with a growth mindset would partake in problem-focused coping, a task-oriented coping style that attempts to alter stressful situations with active efforts to solve the problem or reduce its negative impact (Wu, et al., 2020), such as seeking professional help (see Figure 6) physical activity, partaking in hobbies and other proactive solutions. This suggests that individuals with a growth mindset can acknowledge their mental health issues, display greater resilience to mental health adversities and are also more inclined to proactively engage in coping strategies. This evidence highlights the profound influence of a growth mindset in shaping how individuals approach and navigate their mental health journey.
Conclusion
editFrom the research we can see that the relationship between a growth mindset and mental health is positive. The evidence highlights the profound influence of a growth mindset in shaping how individuals approach and navigate their mental health journey. A growth mindset can assist individual’s with mental health issues to build resilience and engage in proactive strategies. A growth mindset can also be a protective factor against mental health issues as it can counter any growing prevalence of mental health. A growth mindset can be developed and formed in individuals from an early age. Embracing a growth mindset allows individuals to view challenges as opportunities for learning and personal growth. Cultivating determination and intrinsic motivation, along with a focus on the learning process, can foster this mindset shift, leading to improved mental well-being and a sense of purpose. The components of a growth mindset can enable individuals to approach challenges with optimism, unlock their growth potential, and work towards a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
See also
edit- Carol Dweck (Wikipedia)
- DSM-V (Wikipedia)
- Growth Mindset and Challenge (Book chapter, 2018)
- Growth Mindset Development (Book chapter, 2019)
- Mental Health (Book chapters)
- Mindset (Wikipedia)
- Mindset (Book chapters)
- Neuroplasticity (Wikipedia)
References
editArnold, E. (2022, June 17). Anxiety DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria and Treatment Overview. Psycom.net; Psycom Pro. https://pro.psycom.net/assessment-diagnosis-adherence/anxiety
Cahill, E. (2022). The Effects of a Growth Mindset on Student Learning, Achievement, and Mental Health. Graduate Teacher Education. https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/teacher-education_masters/77
Cherry, K. (2022, November 8). What is Neuroplasticity? Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886
Cote, C. (2022, March 10). Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset: What’s the Difference? Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset#:~:text=Someone%20with%20a%20growth%20mindset
Prevalence and impact of mental illness - Mental health - AIHW. (2023, July 20). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/topic-areas/mental-illness#mental-disorder
N/A. (2023) Meaning of mindset in English. Cambridge Dictionary. Retrieved from: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/mindset
Reeve, J. (2018). Understanding motivation and emotion, 7th edition. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated.
Truschel, J. (2022). Depression Definition and DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria. Psycom. https://www.psycom.net/depression/major-depressive-disorder/dsm-5-depression-criteria
World Health Organisation. (2022). Mental Health. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
Burnette, J. L., Knouse, L. E., Vavra, D. T., O’Boyle, E., & Brooks, M. A. (2020). Growth mindsets and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 77, 101816. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101816
Craike, M. J., & Coleman, D. J. (2005). Buffering effects of leisure self‐determination on the mental health of older adults. Leisure/Loisir, 29(2), 301–328. https://doi.org/10.1080/14927713.2005.9651333
Dweck, C. S. (2016). Carol Dweck’s Mindset : the new psychology of success : summary. Ant Hive Media.
Huang, Z., Shi, Y., & Wang, Y. (2022). Does growth mindset benefit mental health in Asia? Evidence from Chinese students. Journal of Pacific Rim Psychology, 16, 183449092211353. https://doi.org/10.1177/18344909221135358
Keyes, C. L. M., & Lopez, S. J. (2002). Toward a science of mental health: Positive directions in diagnosis and interventions. In C. R. Snyder & S. J. Lopez (Eds.), Handbook of positive psychology (pp. 45–59). Oxford University Press.
Lai, X., Nie, C., Huang, S., Li, Y., Xin, T., Zhang, C., & Wang, Y. (2022). Effect of Growth Mindset on Mental Health Two Years Later: The Role of Smartphone Use. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(6), 3355. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063355
Tao, W., Zhao, D., Yue, H., Horton, I., Tian, X., Xu, Z., & Sun, H.-J. (2022). The Influence of Growth Mindset on the Mental Health and Life Events of College Students. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.821206
Thomas, E. C., Zisman-Ilani, Y., & Salzer, M. S. (2019). Self-Determination and Choice in Mental Health: Qualitative Insights From a Study of Self-Directed Care. Psychiatric Services, 70(9), 801–807. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.201800544
Sarrasin, J. B., Nenciovici, L., Foisy, L.-M. B., Allaire-Duquette, G., Riopel, M., & Masson, S. (2018). Effects of teaching the concept of neuroplasticity to induce a growth mindset on motivation, achievement, and brain activity: A meta-analysis. Trends in Neuroscience and Education, 12, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tine.2018.07.003
Wu, Y., Yu, W., Wu, X., Wan, H., Wang, Y., & Lu, G. (2020). Psychological resilience and positive coping styles among Chinese undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychology, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-020-00444-y}}