This study delves into the low mental wellbeing among students from Confucian- heritage cultures (CHCs), attributing this issue to conflicting learning beliefs. The entity belief (EB), primarily found in Western cultures, frequently leads students to retreat from difficult tasks. Conversely, the obligation belief (OB), inherent in CHCs, propels them toward self-improvement following failures. Our research suggests that students simultaneously holding EB and OB often find themselves in a dilemma between quitting and persevering, which has a negative impact on their wellbeing. Based on our two samples of Taiwanese college students, the results reveal that higher dilemma stress is associated with lower wellbeing. Notably, 28% of students held conflicting EB and OB, with concomitant amplified dilemma stress and reduced wellbeing. These findings underscore the internal conflict contributing to the diminished mental wellbeing of students in CHCs, and these insights could inform the future development of practical interventions.