Possibility thinking in higher education contexts

Fostering the ability of university students to imagine different possible scenarios in the face of complex challenges is essential for social progress. The main objectives of this study were to examine the influence of creative self-concept and critical thinking disposition on university students’ possibility thinking and to analyse the possible moderating role of the cooperative mindset in these relationships. The sample consisted of 375 students from a university in the Basque Country, aged between 19 and 30 years ( M = 22.06, SD = 1.46; 57.28% women). The obtained results indicate that creative self-concept, critical thinking disposition, and cooperative mindset are all positively linked to enhanced possibility thinking among students. However, no moderating effect of the cooperative mindset was found in these relationships. These findings have practical implications for educational institutions interested in preparing students not only to face the uncertainties of the future, but also to imagine and create new possibilities in the social and professional spheres.