| Considerable prior research has explored implicit theories of personality and their relationship to various domains of life functioning. These implicit theories, more contemporarily referred to as mindsets, have been found to manifest predominantly as either fixed (believing individual characteristics to be "set in stone") or growth-oriented (believing in the malleability of personal traits). The present study sought to examine the mindsets held by youth receiving inpatient psychiatric care, explore possible correlations between mindset and degree of clinical acuity, and determine if an intervention which taught a growth mindset impacted treatment outcomes as compared to a different positive intervention. Participants were youth aged 12-17 (N=21). Assessment of mindset occurred at pretest and post-test. Acuity of symptoms was measured at intake with parent and youth self-report ratings, and at discharge with youth self-report ratings. Significant correlations (p<.05) were found at pretest between violent ideation and fixed mindset, as well as inattentive/hyperactive symptoms and growth mindset. Assessment of mindset at post-test indicated a significant (p<.05) move towards a growth mindset for the entire sample, regardless of the intervention received. Analysis of treatment outcomes in relation to the intervention received were inconclusive, though all participants showed a reduction in symptoms. Limitations are discussed in terms of the small sample size and other potentially confounding variables. Discussion highlights the need for further research and emphasizes the potential utility of these brief positive interventions in promoting optimism, self-efficacy, and resilience during times of mental health crisis. |
