The growth mindset or the belief that intelligence is malleable has gained significant attention for its positive association with academic success. The results of this article, published in the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, show a growth mindset is not, however, an all-compassing panacea for improving academic achievement. Growth mindset interventions have a positive impact when resources, opportunities, and supports are in place. The authors found (1) growth mindset interventions are effective mostly in moderately-achieving schools, and (2) challenge-seeking behavior is the critical mediator for why growth mindset interventions are effective.
