From Fantasy to Action: Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions (MCII) Improves Academic Performance in Children

Angela Lee DuckworthTeri KirbyAnton GollwitzerGabriele Oettingen

This study evaluated whether mental contrasting with implementation intentions (MCII) improves academic performance in economically disadvantaged children. Researchers randomly assigned 77 fifth graders to learn either MCII or a positive thinking strategy. Students taught MCII demonstrated significant improvements in report card grades, attendance, and conduct compared to controls.