Page 56 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 23

Comment

In his ar�cle, Hope for Change: Implica�ons of a Growth Mindset on
Learning, Psychotherapy and Spiritual Development, Luca Hersberger
describes the difference between a 'growth mindset' and a 'fixed mindset,'
a concept originally proposed by Carol Dweck in the 1980's. The former is a
fluid state where a person takes situa�ons as opportuni�es for
improvement, for example, learning from past mistakes. The la�er reflects
a more rigid mindset where a person believes they are set in their
personhood and have li�le expecta�on for change. Hersberger presents the
case that a growth mindset has broad applica�ons across our lives.

He chooses three important focus areas: Learning, psychotherapy, and
spiritual development, to argue the case that a growth mindset offers
significant poten�al for improvement compared to a fixed mindset.
Dr. Andrea LaFountain
Hersberger describes subtle differences as carrying significant weight when
looked at from this Fixed versus Growth approach. For example, in child (USA) is a cogni�ve neu-
roscien�st and theologi-
raising, providing feedback to a child in terms of effort fosters a growth an. She is the president
mindset, whereas providing feedback in terms of intelligence fosters a fixed
of Truth First, a non-pro-
mindset. These mindsets in turn provide opportunity for growth or limit the fit organiza�on designed
scope of growth a child will seek. to prosper sanc�fica�on
in Chris�ans through ap-
Hersberger also discusses the implica�ons of a growth versus fixed mindset plied neurotheological
on the prac�ce of psychotherapy. He argues that working from a growth
models of behavior and
mindset allows for even deep-seated fears to be moderated if the person cogni�on. She is based in
chooses to ac�vely deal with them with the help of their therapist. Finally, the Philadelphia area, PA,
Hersberger discusses the implica�ons of a growth mindset on Spiritual USA.
development. He argues that the biblical understanding of spiritual
development is that we are all works in progress, with "immeasurable
poten�al for transforma�on and renewal" as we are led by the Holy Spirit.
This reflects a growth mindset.
www.truth-first-ministry.com
In all, Hersberger presents a clear case that opera�ng from a growth versus
fixed mindset has broad and deep implica�ons for human development and
flourishing. He is right to challenge tradi�onal State versus Trait theorizing
where concepts such as personality and intelligence have been described as
fixed, thus limi�ng poten�al growth in these important aspects of our
personhood. His advocacy in priori�zing further research and applica�on on
Dweck's "Growth Mindset" presents a hopeful outlook across many
important domains of psychology. It would be a sad irony if psychologists
and therapists found the implica�ons hard to grasp given their own fixed
ideas regarding the fluidity of mindsets.

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