Stereotype Threat
Definition
The fear that one's behavior will confirm an existing stereotype of a group with which one identifies. This fear can actually lead to decreased performance.
Analogy
Imagine you're the only person from your hometown playing in a big sports game, and there's a stereotype that people from your town are bad at sports. You might be so worried about proving this stereotype right that you end up playing worse than you normally would - that's stereotype threat.
Related terms
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: When an expectation leads individuals to act in ways that make the expectation come true.
Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions.
Social Identity Theory: A perspective that considers when and why individuals identify with, and behave as part of, social groups.
"Stereotype Threat" appears in:
Practice Questions (5)
- Why is stereotype threat an important ethical consideration in psychological testing?
- How does stereotype threat contribute to discrimination?
- How might stereotype threat play a role in perpetuating academic disparities among different racial groups?
- Which intervention strategy can diminish stereotype threat among high school students?
- What psychological intervention would be most beneficial in reducing stereotype threat?
Resources
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