The mediating role of goal orientation and learned helplessness in the relationship between implicit theories of intelligence and academic achievement

This study aimed to investigate assumed model of relationship between implicit theories of intelligence and academic achievement with mediating goal orientation and learned helplessness. To test the model, 253 boys and girls students in the first grade of high school including from five regions of Tabriz were selected by multistage cluster sampling. For collecting data, Achievement Goal Questionnaire, Implicit Theories of Intelligence Scale and Learned Helplessness Scale were used. The results of path analysis indicated that the theory of entity intelligence related with performance goals and incremental theory associated with mastery goals. The negative effect of entity theory on achievement through learned helplessness and its positive effect is through performance goals. Incremental theory of intelligence in addition to direct effect on achievement has indirect positive effect through mastery goals. Learned helplessness has negative effect on achievement both direct as well as indirect through performance and mastery goals. Performance and mastery goals both have positive and significant relationship with academic achievement. Based on results of this study suggested that, for attaining higher academic achievement, schools promote incremental beliefs of intelligence and reduce learned helplessness among students.