Growth mindsets are less endorsed and less associated with academic performance in non-WEIRD cultures

npj Science of Learning 2026 Open access

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Authors: Yuhan Wang, Xin Tang, Shengtao Wu, Xin Sun
DOI: 10.1038/s41539-026-00406-w
Cited by: 2
References: 14

Abstract

We test whether growth mindsets are less relevant in non-WEIRD cultures using nationally representative data from PISA 2018 (48 countries, N = 409,287). Students from non-WEIRD countries reported lower growth mindsets (r = -0.47). Multilevel models revealed that the mindset-achievement associations were weaker in non-WEIRD cultures for reading and science, and marginal for math. Our findings suggest that culture-specific factors should be considered when applying the growth mindset framework.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Education Achievement and Giftedness Grit Self-Efficacy and Motivation Motivation and Self-Concept in Sports

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Science of Learning
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
11
Issue
1
Publication date
24 February 2026
Language
EN