Motivational Interviewing (MI) is particularly valuable for growth mindset when ambivalence about change is blocking recovery.
Ambivalence in Growth Mindset
People with growth mindset are often ambivalent about change — part wants relief, part fears the unknown of being without familiar growth mindset patterns. This is normal, not resistance.
How MI Addresses Growth Mindset Ambivalence
MI uses specific techniques to help people explore and resolve their ambivalence about growth mindset treatment:
- Reflective listening: Hearing and naming both sides of growth mindset ambivalence
- Decisional balance: Exploring pros and cons of changing vs. staying the same with growth mindset
- Evoking change talk: Drawing out the person's own reasons for addressing growth mindset
- Affirming strengths: Highlighting past capacities relevant to growth mindset recovery
MI in Growth Mindset Treatment Settings
MI is integrated into many growth mindset treatment approaches as an engagement tool. It's particularly useful at the beginning of treatment and when motivation fluctuates.