Date

11-13-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Bethany Mims-Beliles

Keywords

mindset, motivation, growth mindset, self-determination theory, psychological needs, military, Army

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between mindset and motivation among U.S. Army active-duty soldiers. Implicit theories research was used to assess mindset, while the three psychological needs of self-determination theory (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) were used to assess motivation. Previous studies regarding these theories discovered that individuals with high levels of mindset and motivation experienced high job satisfaction, goal orientation, and organizational commitment. These theories were chosen due to the lack of research on each theory within the military context, specifically the U.S. Army. Over the past few decades, the U.S. Army has aimed to develop its soldiers holistically through various programs that address mindset and motivation. This research supports why these topics are emphasized within their holistic programs. It was revealed that a relationship exists between soldiers with a growth mindset and the three psychological needs of SDT being satisfied. However, no differences in mindset and motivation were found based on a soldier’s rank. Some of the challenges and limitations of this study were that it would not be able to describe any causation between mindset and motivation, it may not be generalized to all military populations and branches, and getting soldiers to take a digital survey.

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