Mindset and participation: Correlations among healthy children

Introduction: Mindsets are ability-related beliefs concerning the malleability of human traits such as intelligence or personality. Mindsets span a continuum between fixed and growth mindsets; they shape engagement and behavior and contribute to performance and achievements. However, children’s mindsets regarding participation in daily activities have yet to be studied. The study objectives were to explore the domain-specificity of children’s mindsets and the correlations between mindsets and participation. Methods: Sixty-six children (36 boys) aged 6–9 years (m = 7.39 ± 0.85) completed the Kids’ Mindset Questionnaire assessing mindset regarding behavior, praxis, and literacy. Their parents completed the Children Participation Questionnaire-School. Results: Children were found to endorse growth mindsets. However, the behavior mindset score was the lowest compared to praxis and literacy mindsets (X2 = 8.72, p = 0.013). Behavior and literacy mindsets were not correlated with participation; however, the praxis mindset was positively correlated with children’s independence and enjoyment in participation (r = 0.29, r = 0.249, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Children tend to endorse growth mindsets; however, mindsets are domain-specific; the behavior mindset is the least malleable. Children’s beliefs regarding the malleability of praxis skills are of value for their involvement in participation. For occupational therapy practitioners, fostering children’s growth mindset can be a complementary way to promote optimal participation.