The relationship between growth language mindsets and perceived L2 proficiency: The mediating role of the L2 motivational self-system

Despite growing interest in growth mindsets as a predictor of language learning success, the mechanism linking mindset beliefs to L2 proficiency remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated the associations among growth language mindsets, the L2 motivational self-system (L2MSS), and self-perceived L2 proficiency, with the L2MSS positioned as a motivated mediator. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed in this study. Data were collected via an online questionnaire administered to 271 English majors at a university in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect pathways among the focal constructs. The results showed that the L2MSS significantly predicted perceived L2 proficiency, whereas growth language mindsets did not. Instead, growth language mindsets emerged as a significant antecedent of the L2MSS. Mediation analysis further revealed that the predictive effect of growth language mindsets on perceived L2 proficiency was fully mediated through the L2MSS, indicating that mindset-related benefits operate primarily via motivational pathways. By uncovering the central mediating role of the L2MSS, this study highlights that optimizing motivational mechanisms, rather than mindsets alone, is important for L2 learners’ success.