Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2025

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Growth mindset, persistence, and self-efficacy in early adolescents: Associations with depression, anxiety, and
Megan Cherewick1, Emily Hipp2, Prosper Njau3
1Department of Community & Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO, United States.
Abstract:
ABSTRACTGrowth mindset, persistence, and self-efficacy are important protective factors in understanding adolescent psychopathology, including depression, anxiety, and externalising behaviours. Previous studies have shown that dimensions of self-efficacy (academic, social, and emotional) have differential protective effects with mental health outcomes and these differences vary by sex. This study examines the dimensional mediation of self-efficacy from motivational mindsets on anxiety, depression, and externalising behaviours in a sample of early adolescents ages 10-11. Surveys were administered to participants to measure growth mindset and persistence on internalising and externalising symptoms. The Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C) was used to measure domains of self-efficacy for mediation analysis. Multi-group structural equation modelling by sex indicated that structural paths were not invariant by sex. Significant direct effects were identified from persistence to externalising behaviours in boys, and significant direct effects were identified from growth mindset to depression in girls. In a sample of Tanzanian early adolescents, self-efficacy mediates the protective association between motivational mindsets on psychopathology. Higher academic self-efficacy was associated with reduced externalising problems in both boys and girls. Implications for adolescent programmes and future research are discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....

