APA Dictionary of Psychology

a psychological framework that explains how individuals’ implicit beliefs about the malleability of their intelligence and abilities influence their motivation, learning behavior, and achievement. According to this theory, people hold either a fixed mindset, where abilities are seen as stable and unchangeable, or a growth mindset, where abilities can be developed through effort, strategies, and help from others. These beliefs shape how individuals interpret challenges, setbacks, and effort, ultimately affecting performance and resilience. Also called the implicit theory of intelligence.