The What, Why, and How of Adolescent Interpersonal Goal Setting Following a Growth Mindset Intervention

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The What, Why, and How of Adolescent Interpersonal Goal Setting Following a Growth Mindset Intervention
Language: English
Authors: Jennifer H. Martow (ORCID 0000-0002-0270-1084), Jessie A. L. Heaman, Margaret N. Lumley
Source: Journal of Adolescent Research. 2025 40(1):3-43.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 41
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 9
High Schools
Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Grade 12
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Adolescents, Grade 9, Grade 12, Interpersonal Relationship, Mental Health, Student Welfare, Goal Orientation, Barriers, Intervention, Affective Objectives, Individual Development, Self Efficacy, Beliefs
Geographic Terms: Canada
DOI: 10.1177/07435584221137066
ISSN: 0743-5584
1552-6895
Abstract: Interpersonal relationships are central to adolescent well-being. The current research investigates interpersonal goal setting among a general sample of adolescents following a growth mindset intervention. This study qualitatively explores what interpersonal goals adolescents set, outcomes they aim to achieve, obstacles they perceive, and actions to overcome the obstacles during the mental contrasting and the implementation intentions goal setting task (MCII). Participants included 217 grade 9 and 12 students (63.13% White/European). One content and three thematic analyses were conducted on adolescent responses to the MCII. Participants largely set goals related to improving the quantity and quality of their friendships. The ultimate ideal outcome of goal achievement was an improved emotional state. Obstacles were both internal (e.g., characteristics) or external (e.g., others) in nature. Actions identified to overcome the obstacle were either active or passive with passive approaches exhibiting lack of congruence with intervention content. Findings contribute to the empirical understanding of adolescent interpersonal goal setting and provide researchers/practitioners a rich resource of youth experiences to draw on when considering goal setting interventions. A better understanding of adolescents' lived experiences setting goals also stands to benefit those who seek to aid youth in improving well-being.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1453759
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Interpersonal relationships are central to adolescent well-being. The current research investigates interpersonal goal setting among a general sample of adolescents following a growth mindset intervention. This study qualitatively explores what interpersonal goals adolescents set, outcomes they aim to achieve, obstacles they perceive, and actions to overcome the obstacles during the mental contrasting and the implementation intentions goal setting task (MCII). Participants included 217 grade 9 and 12 students (63.13% White/European). One content and three thematic analyses were conducted on adolescent responses to the MCII. Participants largely set goals related to improving the quantity and quality of their friendships. The ultimate ideal outcome of goal achievement was an improved emotional state. Obstacles were both internal (e.g., characteristics) or external (e.g., others) in nature. Actions identified to overcome the obstacle were either active or passive with passive approaches exhibiting lack of congruence with intervention content. Findings contribute to the empirical understanding of adolescent interpersonal goal setting and provide researchers/practitioners a rich resource of youth experiences to draw on when considering goal setting interventions. A better understanding of adolescents' lived experiences setting goals also stands to benefit those who seek to aid youth in improving well-being.
ISSN:0743-5584
1552-6895
DOI:10.1177/07435584221137066