The effect of a short computerized growth mindset intervention with implementation intentions on French students entering university

Abstract

The goal of this study is to test the effect of a growth mindset (GM) intervention with an added implementation intentions (II) protocol on French first‐year university students' mindset, creating a new type of psychosocial intervention (GMII). We exposed participants to 3 intervention conditions (GMII vs. GM vs. control), measured mindset via self‐reported measures during 3 stages (online questionnaire 2 weeks before the intervention; experimental session with exposure to the intervention; online questionnaire 2 weeks after the intervention), and assessed scholastic performance by testing participants on a subject they had to learn during the experimental session. We found a positive effect of the GMII on participants' mindset (fostering a GM) compared to the other conditions. However, we did not find any link between GM and learning performance. Implications are discussed in light of recent literature and critics on mindset theory and interventions.

Grit, resilience and growth‐mindset interventions in health professional students: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…Four studies investigated single‐session growth‐mindset building education interventions on students' growth‐mindset 62,79–81 . Meta‐analysis of two trials with 206 participants (Figure 2c) showed growth‐mindset interventions improved mindset by a small amount (pooled SMD 0.25 95%CI −0.18 to 0.68, I 2 55%) compared to no‐intervention; however, the 95%CI crossed zero 62,79 .…”

“…62,[79][80][81] Metaanalysis of two trials with 206 participants (Figure 2c) showed growth-mindset interventions improved mindset by a small amount (pooled SMD 0.25 95%CI À0.18 to 0.68, I 2 55%) compared to nointervention; however, the 95%CI crossed zero. 62,79 The GRADE certainty of evidence for this analysis was very low after downgrading for risk of bias, inconsistency and imprecision (Table 2). Single-group studies report similar small shifts towards a growth-mindset following the intervention.…”

Creating a psychosocial intervention combining growth mindset and implementation intentions (GMII) to reduce alcohol consumption: A mixed method approach

“…They have to use the arguments presented in the text. These two exercises have been used in GM interventions in the past [ 4 , 19 , 20 ]. The VHS is presented following the GM article.…”

“…The intervention combined existing behavior change theories and strategies, namely growth mindset theory (GM—[ 2 ]) and implementation intentions (II—[ 3 ]). This type of intervention, labeled GMII (i.e., Growth Mindset and Implementation Intentions), was original and thought to be able to foster motivation and changes among individuals [ 4 ]. The present GMII intervention was created using both empirical qualitative and quantitative data and input from the scientific literature.…”

“…From the transtheoretical model perspective, GM could help transition from precontemplation to contemplation, to preparation, whereas II would lead individuals from preparation to action and maintenance stages. In previous work, the authors [ 4 ] showed the effectiveness of an intervention combining growth mindset and implementation intention (GMII) to foster a growth mindset of intelligence among university students. This intervention was more effective than the GM only condition, and its effects lasted longer.…”