A growth mindset is the belief that abilities, intelligence, and personal traits can be developed through effort, strategy, and adequate support. It contrasts with a fixed mindset, which sees them as innate and immutable. When facing failure, someone with a growth mindset sees information; someone with a fixed mindset sees confirmation of their limits.
Concept origin
Carol Dweck (Stanford) developed the theory from decades of research on motivation and academic achievement, publishing "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" in 2006. Research shows mindset can be changed with specific 45-60 minute interventions even in adolescents.
Therapeutic approach
Validated interventions include: reframing praise from results to process ("you worked hard on that" vs "you're smart"), normalizing error as part of learning, and explicitly teaching neuroplasticity. The simple act of adding "yet" to limiting statements ("I can't do this yet") has documented effect.
Related concepts
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