The effects of school climate on students' creativity:The mediating role of growth mindset and self-efficacy

• Examines school climate's effect on creativity in Chinese students. • Growth mindset and self-efficacy mediate the school climate-creativity link. • Peer support positively influences students' self-reported creativity. • Teacher support impacts creativity as evaluated by teachers and parents. • Highlights importance of supportive educational environments for creativity. The influence of school climate on students' creativity has garnered significant attention, yet the underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigates the mediating roles of growth mindset and self-efficacy in the relationship between school climate and creativity among 10- and 15-year-old Chinese students. Data were collected from 7,246 students across 150 schools in Suzhou, China, as part of the Survey on Social and Emotional Skills (SSES). The findings revealed that peer support significantly enhanced students' self-reported creativity, whereas teacher support did not directly influence it. However, teacher support positively affected teachers' and parents' evaluations of students' creativity. Furthermore, growth mindset and self-efficacy served as significant mediators, forming a chain mediation pathway that links school climate to creativity. These results underscore the importance of fostering a supportive educational environment that promotes both psychological growth and creative expression. The study provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance students' creative capabilities through targeted interventions that improve school climate and develop growth mindset and self-efficacy.