| Research indicates that people tend to perceive features, such as personality and intelligence, as either fixed or malleable, though variable by domain. A fixed mindset is defined as an entity implicit theory, whereas a malleable mindset is defined as an incremental implicit theory. Research shows that providing convincing information in support of one of the two mindsets causes individuals to temporarily adopt the primed mindset. The implicit theory an individual holds may have implications for willingness to seek treatment for mental health problems. This is particularly relevant among college students due to the increasing prevalence and severity of mental health problems among this population. Ninety-three undergraduate students were randomly assigned to groups primed with either an entity or incremental theory of personality. Participants completed a bogus questionnaire purportedly assessing their susceptibility to stress followed by reading an article in support of their assigned implicit theory. Next, participants received feedback, indicating moderate susceptibility to stress, purportedly based on their answers on the previously completed questionnaire. Participants then completed measures evaluating their formal help-seeking intent, consideration of informal coping strategies, emotions, and attitudes toward mental health services. Results showed that participants primed with an entity theory endorsed significantly more informal coping strategies than participants primed with an incremental theory; however, participants primed with an entity and incremental theory reported comparable formal help-seeking intent, negative emotions, and attitudes toward mental health services. These findings were inconsistent with previous implicit theory research. Potential explanations for findings and implications for clinical work and outreach efforts on college campuses are discussed. |
