Perceived distress and life satisfaction among Chinese adolescents: A moderation model of growth mindset

Abstract

Adolescents face numerous challenges that elevate stress levels during their developmental years, significantly impacting their life satisfaction and well-being. Previous research has consistently shown that the perception of stress, rather than the stressors themselves, influences individuals' well-being. Studies have also demonstrated that a growth mindset plays a crucial role in how individuals perceive and respond to stress. The current study aims to explore the moderating effect of the growth mindset on the relationship between perceived distress and life satisfaction. The model was tested with data from a sample of 356 ninth-grade students from a middle school in Beijing, China. Results indicate that a growth mindset significantly moderates the relationship between perceived distress and life satisfaction, attenuating the negative impact of perceived distress. Specifically, students with a high growth mindset exhibit greater life satisfaction when facing high-intensity stress, suggesting that a growth mindset is particularly beneficial for individuals who perceive higher levels of stress. These findings provide a robust theoretical foundation for the development of growth mindset intervention and contribute to the existing research on adolescent growth mindset interventions. The implications for educational and psychological practices are discussed, highlighting the potential of fostering a growth mindset to enhance adolescent well-being.