Have you ever heard of the concept of growth mindset? It’s an intriguing idea that has been gaining a lot of attention in the world of personal and professional development lately, for good reason. The term ‘growth mindset’ was coined by the psychologist Carol Dweck who studied the attitudes people hold about their learning ability and proposed a continuum which has a fixed mindset at one end and growth mindset at the other. The mindset continuum does not deny differences in capability between people but is founded on the premise that people can increase their intelligence through the right learning strategies and effort.

Are you ready to be inspired and motivated to embrace a growth mindset and all it has to offer? Let’s begin!

A mindset is a person’s beliefs about their abilities and attributes. Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, PhD, studied people’s attitudes about their learning ability and coined the term “growth mindset”. In her 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, she proposed a continuum with a fixed mindset at one end and a growth mindset at the other. Her work explored how an individual’s underlying belief about intelligence and learning ability could impact performance. Her studies showed that those who believe they can develop their talents tend to achieve more than those who feel their abilities are innate and fixed.

Definition of Growth Mindset

This growth mindset is based on the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts. Although people may differ in every which way —in their initial talents and aptitudes, interests, or temperaments—everyone can change and grow through application and experience.

— Professor Dweck

Even though people have different inherent characteristics or abilities, Professor Dweck suggests everyone has the potential for growth and change. This mindset implies that individuals can develop new talents, enhance their skills, and adapt to different situations through dedication, hard work, and learning from experiences. Essentially, the passage encourages the perspective that personal qualities are not fixed, and individuals can evolve and improve through their actions and efforts.

Definition of a Fixed Mindset

Conversely, while having a growth mindset means constantly striving to improve and develop yourself over time, a fixed mindset is the belief that our abilities are predetermined and set from the moment we are born. People with a fixed mindset tend to emphasise `nature over nurture‘, believing each person inherits intelligence, talents, and personality traits. Individuals who believe their unique qualities are solely determined by their genetics usually think these characteristics remain relatively constant throughout their lifetime.

Such a mindset is limiting in certain situations. According to Dr. Dweck’s original research, individuals with a fixed mindset are more inclined to search for opportunities to showcase their strengths rather than those that may expose their weaknesses. She further explains that such an approach to life can be detrimental – people with a fixed mindset may miss out on opportunities and prospects to learn and develop, even though they take fewer risks.

A. Increased resilience
Adopting a growth mindset can offer several benefits, such as building resilience and grit – the ability to bounce back from difficulties and pursue goals with passion and perseverance. People with a growth mindset view challenges as an opportunity to learn rather than a personal reflection of their abilities. This perspective, in turn, fosters perseverance and dedication, enabling them to overcome obstacles more quickly and emerge from difficulties better equipped to handle future challenges. Ultimately, developing a growth mindset can lead to personal growth and fulfilment.

B. Greater Flexibility
A growth mindset helps you be more flexible and adaptable. These are valuable life skills because they allow you to learn new ways of doing things, accept different ways of thinking and living, and work or live with others collaboratively. Adapting and changing opens your world to new experiences and perspectives and makes you a more likeable and collaborative person with greater compassion and empathy for others.

Flexibility also helps with mental health. By staying psychologically flexible, people can stop negative or unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns. Instead of getting stuck in rigid routines and behaviours that make problems worse, people can respond in more adaptive ways, helping them respond better to challenges and cope with setbacks when they do happen. Ultimately, Flexibility can improve how people manage stress and enhance overall well-being.

C. Higher motivation
Individuals with a growth mindset demonstrate unwavering motivation to achieve their goals and conquer obstacles. They firmly believe that hard work, resilience, and commitment are the keys to progress and success. This positive attitude fuels their drive to pursue their objectives and produce exceptional work. They relentlessly strive for excellence, embracing challenges as opportunities to learn, grow, and innovate. Their mindset sets them apart from others, enabling them to approach their goals with unwavering determination and creativity. Such individuals are more likely to achieve their objectives and contribute significantly to any team or organization.

As a parent or guardian, providing practical support to teenagers coping with trauma is crucial. Here are some strategies to assist them in navigating through this challenging time;

1. Educate Yourself

It is essential to educate yourself about how trauma affects teenagers. Learn about the common symptoms like sleep problems, appetite changes, difficulty focusing, and withdrawal from social activities. By being knowledgeable, you can better support your teenager and know when to seek professional help.

2. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

After experiencing a traumatic event, it is vital for teenagers to feel safe and secure. To help with this, ensure their physical environment is stable and comforting, stick to familiar routines, and offer reassurance that they are loved and protected. Encourage open communication and let them know it is okay to express their feelings.

3. Listen And Validate Their Feelings

Teenagers may experience fear, anger, sadness, or confusion when dealing with trauma. Providing a safe space to share their feelings without judgment is crucial. It is essential to actively listen and acknowledge their emotions, letting them know their reactions are normal and understandable. Avoid downplaying or dismissing their experiences.

4. Maintain Predictable Routines and Structure

Experiencing trauma can cause a teenager’s feeling of stability and security to be disrupted. It can be helpful to maintain a routine and structure to provide a sense of normalcy and regain control. It is essential to encourage them to stick to a regular schedule for meals and sleep and continue with their daily activities like school or hobbies. However, it’s also crucial to understand if they need time to heal and adjust.

5. Encourage Healthy Coping Mechanisms

It may be best to suggest that your teenager takes a break from the computer or online games temporarily, as any negative comments online can be overwhelming after a traumatic event. Instead, focus on helping them develop healthy ways to cope with their emotions.

Physical exercise can be beneficial as it releases endorphins and can improve their mood while reducing stress. Please encourage them to participate in sports, art, writing, or with friends.

Yoga and deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial as they help them find calm during anxious moments. Encourage them to express their emotions through creative outlets such as journaling or drawing.

6. Encourage Professional Help

Although many teenagers can overcome trauma with the help of family and friends, some may need assistance from a trained professional. Trauma can significantly impact mental well-being, and seeking a mental health expert can help guide your teenager towards recovery. These professionals can offer therapy, counselling, and other customised evidence-based treatments to meet your teenager’s needs.

7. Foster a Supportive Network

It’s important to encourage your teenager to connect with friends, family members, or support groups who have gone through similar traumatic experiences. Being around others who understand what they’re going through gives them a sense of belonging and validation. Consider getting other trusted adults involved, like teachers or mentors, who can provide extra support and guidance.

8. Practice Self-Care

If you’re a caregiver for a teenager going through trauma, it’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. This type of support can be emotionally taxing, so take care of yourself. Reach out to your support system, whether that is friends, family, or a support group. Take part in self-care activities that allow you to unwind and recharge. Looking after yourself will better equip you to support your teenager effectively.

When supporting your teenager through trauma, it’s essential to be patient, understanding, and empathetic. Keep in mind that everyone’s healing process is different and takes time. Create a safe and supportive space, encourage them to seek professional help, and promote healthy coping strategies. With your support, your teenager can navigate this difficult time and emerge more robust and resilient.

If your teenager prefers anonymity outside of their school, they can speak to one of our senior Elucidation teachers. Our teachers will lend a listening ear. If appropriate and where necessary, they will refer you or your child to guidance counselling services and mental health professionals. Do be patient, as they may not have a list of the resources available on hand.

Helplines available to the public:

• • National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868
  • Samaritans of Singapore 24-hour Hotline: 1800-221-4444
  • Singapore Association for Mental Health: 1800-283-7019
  • Institute of Mental Health: 6389-2222 (24 hours)
  • Tinkle Friend: 1800-274-4788 (for primary school-aged children)
  • AWARE Women’s Helpline: 1800-777-555 (10 am – 6 pm, Monday to Friday)
  • CARE Singapore: 6978 2728 (Mon – Fri: 10am – 5pm)
  • TOUCHline (By TOUCH Community Services): 1800 377 2252 (Mon – Fri: 9 am – 6 pm)
  • Fei Yue Community Service: https://ec2.sg/
    (Live chat Weekdays: 10 am – 12 pm; 2 pm – 5 pm; Closed on Public Holidays)

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References: Our reading list for this article

1. 1. Yeoh, G. (2021 Jul 21). Coping with trauma: Acknowledge incident and talk about emotions, say experts after River Valley High death. Channel News Asia. Retrieved 26 Jul 2021 from Channel News Asia website: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/river-valley-high-death-coping-with-trauma-students-teachers-15254074
   2. Helping Children Cope After a Traumatic Event. (n.d.) The Child Mind Institute. Retrieved 26 Jul 2021 from https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-traumatic-event/
   3. Traumatic events: supporting children in the days and weeks afterwards. (n.d.). Retrieved 26 Jul 2021 from The Raising Children Network website: https://raisingchildren.net.au/preschoolers/connecting-communicating/coping-with-trauma/trauma-support-for-children
   4. Newman, K. (2015 November 30) Nine Tips for Talking to Kids about Trauma. Retrieved 27 Jul 2021 from The Greater Good Science Center, University of California, Berkeley website: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/nine_tips_for_talking_to_kids_about_trauma
   5. CNN. (2015 November 18). French father explains terror attacks to his young son [Video]. Retrieved 28 Jul 2021 from Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2S9An4AX0M