Effectiveness of the online mindset intervention 'The Growth Factory' for adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

Abstract

This study examines participant satisfaction and effectiveness of the online mindset intervention 'The Growth Factory' (TGF) for youth with intellectual disabilities using a randomised controlled trial design. Youth with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (N=119; 12-23 years) were randomly assigned to TGF (n=60) or control group (n=59). Primary outcome measures were mindsets and perseverance. Secondary outcomes were empowerment, mental health problems, self-esteem, treatment motivation, therapeutic alliance and challenge seeking. Measurements were conducted at pre-test, post-test and at 3 and 6months follow-up. TGF had positive effects on perseverance, mental health problems, self-esteem and therapeutic alliance at post-test. TGF had follow-up effects on mental health problems (3months), mindset of intelligence (3 and 6months) and mindset of emotion and behaviour (6months). TGF offers a promising add-on intervention complementing usual care programmes accelerating improvements in mindsets and mental health in youth with intellectual disabilities.