Links between Depression and Fixed Versus Growth Mindsets

Abstract

Being labeled “hardworking” in childhood by various sources subsequently reduced the risk of several depression symptoms and increased self-esteem in undergraduates, while being labeled “smart” only reduced two depression symptoms and did not elevate self-esteem. Those with a history of being labeled either “smart” or “hardworking” generally reported that this increased both their confidence and academic risk-taking. Women who reported being labeled “smart” as children were more likely than similarly labeled men to report that the label increased their academic risk-taking. Of those who reported being labeled “hardworking,” males were more likely to report that being labeled “hardworking” increased their confidence. Overall, females were more likely to report being labeled “hardworking.” An independent samples t-test comparing individuals with a history of being labeled “smart” and those labeled without such a history revealed a significant difference in likelihood of taking difficult courses in college. This challenges Dweck’s theory that being labeled “smart” discourages academic risk-taking. Furthermore, those who believed being labeled “smart” increased their academic risk-taking had lower scores on the beck depression inventory-II. These findings support the potential mental health value of fostering a growth mindset in children.