Relationship between mindset, basic psychological needs and well-being

The mindset theory and the self-determination theory are two important pillars of progress-focused work. Within the progress-focused approach, we see both theories as important and complementary frameworks for understanding commitment, progress, and well-being. A new study also looks at the relationships between these two theories, in particular the interplay between mindset and basic psychological needs.

How are mindsets related to well-being?

Mindsets, our beliefs about the changeability of personal traits, play a role in various aspects of our lives, including well-being. While previous studies have mainly focused on the effects of mindsets on learning performance, less is known about their impact on well-being. Recent research by Cypryańska and Nezlek (2024) investigates how the satisfaction of basic psychological needs plays a role in the relationship between mindsets and well-being.

Mindset theory: beliefs about changeability

The mindset theory, introduced by Carol Dweck, states that our beliefs about the changeability of our traits –our mindsets– influence our behavior and well-being. Originally, researchers viewed the growth mindset and the fixed mindset as opposite ends of one spectrum. However, recent research suggests a more nuanced picture:

1. Multidimensionality: Evidence is growing that growth and fixed mindsets may be better understood as separate, albeit related, constructs.
2. Domain specificity: People can have a growth mindset in one area (e.g., intelligence) while simultaneously having a more fixed mindset in another (e.g., personality).
3. Cultural Variation: The manifestation and impact of mindsets can vary across cultures, requiring a more culturally sensitive approach.

Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs and motivation

Self-determination theory (SDT), an influential theory of motivation, provides a complementary framework for understanding well-being. SDT states that an individual's well-being depends on the satisfaction of three universal basic psychological needs:

• Autonomy: The need to be able to direct one's own life and behavior.
• Competence: The need to feel competent and effective in performing tasks.
• Relatedness: The need for meaningful relationships and interactions with others.

The research:

Cypryańska and Nezlek used a cross-sectional design with a sample of 428 adults. Participants completed questionnaires that measured the following constructs:

• Mindsets: Measured with the “Kind of Person” scale.
• Satisfaction of basic needs: Measured with the Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction Scale.
• Well-being: Measured with the Mental Health Continuum Short Form and the Satisfaction with Life Scale.

Results

The researchers found the following results:

• A growth mindset was significantly and positively related to all measures of well-being.
• Autonomy and competence satisfaction mediated the relationship between growth mindset and well-being.
• Connectedness did not play a significant mediating role in this relationship.
• Fixed mindsets were generally not related to well-being, either directly or indirectly through the satisfaction of basic needs.
• The effects were consistent across different measures of well-being, including emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

How the relationship between mindset and well-being runs through basic needs

A striking aspect of the findings is the mediation of basic psychological needs between growth mindset and well-being. This means that the relationship between a growth mindset and well-being is not only direct, but also indirect through the satisfaction of autonomy and competence. In other words, a growth mindset leads to higher levels of satisfaction of autonomy and competence, which in turn leads to higher well-being. The mechanism of influence can be explained as follows:

• Growth Mindset → Autonomy: People with a growth mindset believe they can change and grow. This can lead to a greater sense of control over their lives and development, which satisfies the need for autonomy.
• Growth Mindset → Competence: The belief that skills can be developed motivates people to learn and practice more, leading to a greater sense of competence and thus the satisfaction of the need for competence.
• Autonomy and Competence → Well-being: According to self-determination theory, feelings of autonomy and competence are essential for psychological well-being. The increased satisfaction of these needs therefore leads to higher well-being.

This mediation effect provides a deeper understanding of how and why a growth mindset can lead to higher well-being. It suggests that it is not just the mindset itself that directly contributes to well-being, but that the mindset triggers a cascade of psychological processes that ultimately result in increased well-being.

Two surprising findings

• Surprisingly, connectedness did not play a significant mediating role. This raises questions about the specific relationship between mindsets and social aspects of well-being.
• The finding that fixed mindsets were generally not related to well-being is also notable. This implies that it is not so much the absence of a fixed mindset that contributes to well-being, but specifically the presence of a growth mindset. I find this finding surprising given previous research. See, among others, Seo et al. (2021), Lurie et al. (2022), and Lipsey et al. (2024))

Conclusions and Implications

These findings have implications for both theory and practice:

1. Theoretical Integration: There is a need for an integrated framework that brings together mindset theory, SDT and well-being research for a more holistic understanding of human development.
2. Intervention Design: Interventions aimed at promoting a growth mindset could benefit from an explicit focus on strengthening feelings of autonomy and competence.
3. Clinical Applications: In therapeutic settings, cultivating a growth mindset, coupled with interventions that meet basic needs, could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
4. Implications for education: In educational contexts, this research suggests that promoting a growth mindset should go hand in hand with creating environments that support autonomy and competence.
5. Future Research: There is a need for longitudinal studies to better understand causality, and for research that incorporates contextual factors such as culture and socioeconomic status.

► In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between mindsets, basic psychological needs and well-being. It sheds light on the interplay of mindset and basic psychological needs in the development of well-being. At the same time, it calls for further research to better understand the nuances of these relationships and translate them into effective interventions in different contexts.