Development and Evaluation of a Growth Mindset Intervention for Adolescents in Youth Custody Frameworks: Pilot Study

Miri Tal-Saban9 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a daily-activity-based intervention aimed at fostering a growth mindset among adolescents in youth custody frameworks and their staff. The study seeks to answer whether this intervention can improve participants' perceptions of their ability to adapt, enhance daily life participation, and identify barriers and facilitators for promoting a growth mindset in this unique population. Using a mixed-methods design, the study includes pre- and post-intervention assessments with the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), structured questionnaires, and focus groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

This study aims to develop and evaluate an intervention program designed to promote a growth mindset among adolescents residing in youth custody frameworks and their staff. The intervention is grounded in daily-activity-based approaches, emphasizing practical engagement in meaningful activities and reflective learning. The program is tailored to address the unique challenges and strengths of participants within these frameworks, with the goal of fostering adaptability, resilience, and improved participation in daily life tasks. The research employs a mixed-methods design to comprehensively assess the intervention's impact. Quantitative data will be collected using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) to measure changes in participants' perceptions of their performance and satisfaction with daily tasks. Structured pre- and post-intervention questionnaires will further evaluate shifts in growth mindset attitudes. Qualitative data will be gathered through focus groups with adolescents, alumni, and staff, providing insights into the intervention's feasibility, perceived barriers, and opportunities for adaptation. The study is conducted at two youth custody institutions, Alma and Mitspa-Yam, which provide residential care for adolescents in high-risk situations. Participants include adolescents currently in care, alumni, and staff members. Findings from this research are expected to inform the development of evidence-based guidelines for integrating growth mindset interventions into youth custody settings, with implications for enhancing long-term outcomes for participants.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

Interventions

Growth Mindset InterventionBEHAVIORAL

A structured, daily-activity-based intervention program designed to foster a growth mindset among adolescents in youth custody frameworks and their staff. The intervention involves: Guided engagement in practical, meaningful daily activities tailored to individual and group needs. Reflective feedback sessions to reinforce principles of a growth mindset. Pre- and post-intervention assessments using standardized tools, including the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and structured questionnaires.

Eligibility

Sex: FEMALEMin age: 12 YearsMax age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Adolescents currently residing in youth custody frameworks who are selected by the institution's staff based on their suitability for the study. Alumni of youth custody frameworks who are contacted directly by the research team. Exclusion Criteria: Adolescents whose mental or physical condition prevents them from participating in the study. Individuals who are unable to complete questionnaires or reflectively describe their experiences.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM).

This measure evaluates changes in participants' perceptions of their daily task performance and satisfaction before and after the intervention. Scale Details: Scale Title: COPM Performance and Satisfaction Scales Range: 1 to 10 Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better performance and greater satisfaction. Time Frame: Before and after the intervention (approximately 8 weeks).

Time frame: Before and after the intervention (approximately 8 weeks).

Secondary Outcomes

Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators in the Framework - Customized Survey Scale

his measure assesses perceived barriers and facilitators in the context of daily activities, psychological adaptation, and interpersonal support within the youth custody framework. The survey evaluates aspects such as perceived trust in staff, sense of security, support from peers and staff, independence, organization, and expectations for the future. Scale Details: Scale Title: Youth Custody Resident Experience Survey (YCRES) Range: 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 10 (Strongly Agree) Interpretation: Higher scores indicate a more positive perception of facilitators (e.g., trust in staff, support from peers, self-efficacy), whereas lower scores suggest greater perceived barriers and difficulties in adaptation.