How You Say It Matters: Using Growth Mindset to Improve Faculty Feedback And Resident Motivation.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychology in Medicine

Background:

• Faculty feedback (FS) satisfaction is low nationally.
• Limited research exists on language's impact on resident motivation.
• Growth mindset language (GML) may enhance intrinsic motivation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess resident and faculty preferences for GML versus fixed mindset language (FML) in FS.
• To characterize the impact of GML and FML on resident motivation.

Main Methods:

• Multi-institutional survey study of surgical residents and faculty.
• Participants evaluated contrasting GML and FML statements in written and verbal feedback.
• Surveys assessed preferences, perceived impact on growth, emotions, and motivation.

Main Results:

• GML statements were universally preferred over FML by both residents and faculty.
• GML fostered greater perceived growth, improvement, and motivation.
• FS language significantly impacts learning motivation, mood, and faculty relationships.

Conclusions:

• GML is preferred over FML in FS for surgical residents and faculty.
• GML positively influences motivation, well-being, and faculty relationships.
• Faculty development in GML is recommended due to its positive impact.