Research Shows a Single Short Video Can Positively Influence Teen Mindsets—But Effectiveness Has Limits

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