Optimism Shapes Mindset

Understanding the Association of Optimism and Pessimism

Abstract

The present study investigated our hypothesis of an underlying relationship

between optimism/pessimism and implicit theories of intelligence. We

investigated the psychometric properties of optimism and mindset scales in

our sample, compared confirmatory factor analysis models of the scales,

examined the full measurement model to confirm quality measurement of the

final structural phase of investigation, and finally conducted two competing

structural equation models. We found that the direct pathway from optimism

to growth mindset was significant, and the pathway from pessimism to fixed

mindset was also significant. However, there were no significant direct effects

of optimism on fixed mindset or pessimism on growth mindset. Measurement,

research, and practice implications are discussed.