Research Shows a Single Short Video Can Positively Influence Teen Mindsets—But Effectiveness Has Limits
A new study reveals that a brief 10-minute online video can promote a positive growth mindset in teenagers, offering a scalable tool for supporting youth mental health, though its impact on anxiety and depression remains limited in the short term.
Recent research from the University of East Anglia highlights the potential of a simple, 10-minute online video to foster a growth mindset among adolescents. The study, published in JCPP Advances, investigated whether such a brief intervention could impact teens’ beliefs about their personality traits and abilities. The findings suggest that, while the video was effective in encouraging a more adaptable view of personal qualities, it showed limited immediate effects on symptoms related to anxiety and depression.
The study involved over 100 teenagers recruited through schools, charities, and social media channels in the UK. Participants were randomly assigned to either watch the intervention video or join a control group on a waitlist. Researchers assessed their levels of anxiety, depression, psychological flexibility, and beliefs about personality traits both before the session and one month post-intervention.
Although the video did not significantly decrease feelings of anxiety and depression, it successfully promoted a growth mindset—the belief that personal traits and abilities can change over time. Dr. Jessica Ball, lead researcher at UEA, noted that this approach could serve as a scalable, low-cost method to support youth mental health development. Dr. Kenny Chiu emphasized the importance of preventive strategies, especially as many mental health issues originate in childhood and adolescence.
The research team, including Prof. Richard Meiser-Stedman, pointed out that online single-session interventions are gaining interest globally, mainly due to increasing demand for accessible mental health support services. Most prior studies have been conducted in the US, but this research marked a pioneering effort within the UK context.
The intervention was rooted in growth mindset theory, which encourages the belief that personal abilities are improvable. Participants reported their psychological states and attitudes toward personality traits before and after the intervention, with findings indicating positive shifts in mindset. However, changes in anxiety and depression levels were not statistically significant, highlighting the need for further research to evaluate the long-term benefits.
Dr. Chiu concluded that such brief, accessible online tools could play a vital role in broader youth mental health support systems, complementing existing services. The study underscores the importance of early intervention and the potential for scalable solutions to foster resilience and adaptive thinking during critical developmental stages.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-video-teen-mindset.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Support Strategies for Enhancing Your Child's Mental Well-being
Learn effective strategies to support your child's mental health, recognize early warning signs, and promote emotional resilience for their overall well-being.
Strategies to Overcome Anxiety When Flying
Learn practical strategies to overcome airplane anxiety and safely manage fear of flying through gradual exposure and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Link Between Depression and Long-Term Physical Pain in Older Adults
New study links depression and loneliness to the development of physical pain in older adults, highlighting the importance of early mental health interventions to prevent long-term discomfort.
Study Challenges Belief That Orgasms Are the Key to Women's Sexual Satisfaction
A groundbreaking study finds that women's sexual satisfaction is influenced more by emotional intimacy and relationship factors than by orgasm frequency, challenging longstanding beliefs about sex.