Toward assessing behaviors that reflect growth mindset: Development and validation of the Growth Practices Scale

Current discourse on implicit theories of intelligence contends that there is a need to unpack the mechanisms that can explain how or why a growth mindset leads to improved achievement. The present study developed and validated Growth Practices Scale (GPS) to assess behavioural indicators of growth mindset, utilizing cross-sectional data from 1,150 undergraduates. The GPS’ factor structure, examined through exploratory graph analysis and exploratory factor analysis, yielded a two-factor structure: “growth strategies” (6 items) – self-improvement behaviors like goal-setting and preference for challenging tasks, and “adaptive coping” (5 items) – adaptive coping strategies during challenges such as feedback-seeking and self-reflection. This was further confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. This study offers vital implications for future studies exploring how mindset links to achievement. Copyright © 2024 AERA.