Effectiveness of the online mindset intervention ‘The Growth Factory’ for adolescents with intellectual disabilities

Background:
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.

Method:
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 6 months follow-up.

Results:
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 (3 months), mindset of intelligence (3 and 6 months) and mindset of emotion and behaviour (6 months).

Conclusions:
TGF offers a promising add-on intervention complementing usual care programmes accelerating improvements in mindsets and mental health in youth with intellectual disabilities.