Longitudinal Links Between Perceived Family Support, Self-Efficacy, and Growth Mindset of Intelligence Among Chinese Children

Extensive research has highlighted the benefits of a growth mindset in fostering positive outcomes for children. However, the antecedents of children’s growth mindset of intelligence remain less known. This longitudinal study aimed to examine whether, and through which mechanism, perceived family support predicts children’s growth mindset over time. A total of 1874 Chinese children (Mage = 10.76 years, SD = 0.93) participated in this study, and they were evaluated twice, six months apart. In each wave, the children completed questionnaires, including a perceived family support scale, a general self-efficacy scale, and a growth mindset of intelligence scale. The results indicated that perceived family support can positively predict an increase in children’s growth mindset. Moreover, the longitudinal link between perceived family support and a growth mindset was mediated by children’s self-efficacy. Specifically, children’s perceived family support can positively predict an increase in self-efficacy, which in turn promotes a growth mindset. The findings highlight the significance of a supportive family environment for children’s intelligence mindset and that general self-efficacy can be a targeted intervention for improving their growth mindset.