The Effects of Digital Games on Pre-K-12 Students’ Growth Mindset: A Systematic Review

The concept of a "growth mindset" refers to the belief that one's abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.This systematic review examines the impact of digital games on fostering a growth mindset in pre-K-12 educational settings.Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we analyzed 13 studies focused on digital games designed to enhance a growth mindset.Findings indicate that most games positively influence growth mindset along with other competencies (e.g., creativity and persistence), while a minority show mixed or negligible effects, often linked to the game design or context.The review identifies trends across various game genres, targeted skills, and geographical regions, reflecting a growing interest in growth mindset research.It suggests that digital games represent a valuable avenue for educational interventions which emphasize the need for thoughtful design informed by evidence on effective game features.