The relations of growth mindset, self-compassion and coping strategies among Chinese emerging adults

Abstract

Theoretical Background: When facing obstacles, how to cope was crucial. While some studies showed growth mindset was associated to adaptive coping in adversities, others showed insignificant results with limitations on dealing with negative emotions. Since transactional theory of stress and coping implied handling emotions would motivate individuals towards adaptive coping, self-compassion was proposed to support growth mindset in regulating negative emotions. Research Aims: The study explored interaction of self-compassion and growth mindset on coping. Methods: A two-by-two-by-three experimental study was conducted in 2022 in Hong Kong. 113 high and low growth mindset young adults aged 18-29 were recruited from online social media platforms. They were randomly assigned to experimental or control condition (5-day online self-compassion diary vs. daily diary) with pre-, post- and 2-week follow-up tests measured as Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale, SelfCompassion Scale, Brief COPE. Results: Mixed ANCOVA showed significant time effect on adaptive coping between experimental and control groups, F(2, 216)=3.55, p=.03. For high growth mindset, adaptive coping in control group significantly dropped compared to experimental group in post-test, p=.008, particularly on emotional support, p<.0001. For low growth mindset, experimental group showed a significant increase in adaptive coping, including acceptance, p=.046; p=.042, positive reframing, ps=.03, in post and follow-up tests. Conclusions: Self-compassion may protect high growth mindset individuals from a drop in adaptive coping and buffer negative relationship between low growth mindset on acceptance and positive reframing. Implications: Findings provided insights into exploring different self-compassion practices for them to facilitate coping skills. Value: Rather than focusing on negative impacts among low growth mindset individuals, the study offered a new perspective to adopt self-compassion in enhancing their coping skills. Intended Audience: Academic and practitioners. Limitations: Despite a small sample size and short follow-up interval, future research may further explore long-term effects of self-compassion on coping among growth mindset individuals.