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ERIC Number: EJ1492813
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Dec
Pages: 28
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-726X
EISSN: EISSN-1573-336X
Available Date: 2025-10-30
Peer Mindset Culture as a Developmental Context for Belonging
Educational Psychology Review, v37 n4 Article 103 2025
Over the past decade, mindset research has increasingly moved beyond the individual, examining how beliefs about ability are shaped and reinforced by the broader social context. This paper extends that work by focusing on peers, a powerful but underexplored influence in adolescent development. We introduce a theoretical framework for understanding peer mindset culture: the shared beliefs that peers hold and communicate about whether ability is fixed or can grow. We argue that fixed mindset peer cultures can erode students' sense of belonging by (a) triggering identity threats (e.g., stereotype threat, perceived mismatch with peers' beliefs, or social contagion of fixed norms), and (b) weakening social connection (e.g., peer selection and low support). We argue that these dynamics are especially consequential for students from minoritized backgrounds, those who are struggling academically, and those who personally endorse a growth mindset. Finally, we outline principles for designing peer-focused mindset interventions. Our goal is to provide avenues for future research and practical strategies to support all students in developing a strong sense of belonging in their learning environments.
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 2004831; 2243530; 2201928; 2322330; P2CHD042849
Author Affiliations: 1Texas State University, School of Family and Consumer Sciences, San Marcos, USA; 2The Univeresity of Texas at Austin, Austin, USA; 3University of Rochester, Rochester, USA