Implicit theories of self describe and individuals' belief about the malleability of abilities and traits. These beliefs of self can be categorized into two groups, incremental or entity.

• Individuals with an incremental theory of self believe that abilities and traits are generally malleable and able to be changed.

• Individuals with an entity theory of self believe that traits and abilities are generally fixed and predetermined.

Research suggests that these theories have a strongest effect on a person during challenging conditions or big transitional points in someone's' life