The Impact of Mindset, Relationships, Engagement, and Hope on Predicting High School Students’ Level of Risk

Abstract

Failing to complete high school has lasting personal, social, and economic consequences for students. Multiple factors, including low or failing grades, poor school attendance, and low standardized test scores place students at risk of dropping out of school. Schools, state, and federal government sources have contributed significant resources to assisting students who are categorized at risk for dropping out of school, yet the four year graduation rate remains at only 84% (National Center for Education Statistics, 2018). Using Bronfenbrenner’s (2005b) Bioecological Model of Human Development, the purpose of this study was to determine to what extent beliefs about mindset, engagement, hope, and relationships predict level of risk for high school students. This study used a quantitative approach and survey research methodology. Participants were 319 high school students from a suburban high school in the Midwest region of the United States. Demographic variables as well as independent variables regarding effort, natural ability, engagement, student relationships and aspects of hope were considered for analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated a fixed mindset with respect to natural ability, a lack of positive relationships with peers, a lack of positive relationships with another adult in school, and a lack of belief that one will graduate from high school were statistically significant predictors of the level of risk for high school students. Implications for school leaders, teachers, and students are discussed as well as potential future research.