Adolescent Self-Theories of Singing Ability Within a Choral Hierarchy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore adolescent self-views of singing ability through both implicit theories (i.e., fixed mindset and growth mindset) and self-concept meaning systems in the context of a choral hierarchy. Using a survey instrument modified from Dweck (1999) to measure self-theories of singing ability, I gathered data from middle and high school participants currently enrolled in a hierarchical choral structure. I analyzed descriptive statistics of survey responses to items designed to measure implicit theories of singing ability, singing self-concept, and goal orientation and differences among participants by ensemble placement in implicit theory and self-concept scores. In addition to these quantitative measures, I coded open-ended responses to two failure scenarios and examined participant responses by ensemble and gender. Both implicit theory and self-concept scores were higher for participants at the top of the choral hierarchy. Open-ended responses indicated that failure scenarios were associated with lowered self-concept and shame in ensemble placement, especially for female-identifying participants.