Work

When mindset theory meets the island ridge curve: moderating role of reading proficiency on the relationship between growth mindset, self-concept, and reading achievement

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Growth mindsets are believed to facilitate reading achievement. However, empirical findings remain mixed. This inconsistency reveals two limitations in existing research: first, growth mindset is often studied in isolation, with little focus on interacting factors; second, most research assumes a linear relationship, thus missing complex association patterns. This study explored how growth mindset and self-concept interact to impact reading achievement, with reading proficiency moderating these effects. It drew on the Island Ridge Curve Theory, which proposes a nonlinear relationship between learner attributes and performance. Using a large-scale international dataset, the results of multilevel mixture path analysis showed that (1) the effect of growth mindset and self-concept on reading achievement fluctuated across different reading proficiency groups, and (2) self-concept moderated the relationship between growth mindset and reading achievement, and this moderation also fluctuated across reading proficiency groups. The findings provide important information for student-centred instructional design.

Source: Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research

DOI: 10.1080/00313831.2026.2752594

Authors: Yuyang Cai, Yan Yang, Liping Zhu

Institutions: Shanghai International Studies University, University of Otago

Language: English

Topic: Education, Achievement, and Giftedness

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Office for Philosophy and Social Sciences, National Social Science Fund of China