Combating Stereotype Threat in the Workplace

Little research has compared or examined the effectiveness of stereotype threat. Stereotype threat refers to when individuals are put situations where negative stereotypes about them are at risk of being confirmed. This can often lead to apprehension or poor performance.

A recent meta-analysis in the Journal of Applied Psychology examined the differences among the various types of stereotype threat interventions. Belief-based interventions focus on changing beliefs about the negative stereotype. Identity-based interventions focus on changing the strength or salience of the relationship between the person and the negatively stereotyped group. And finally, resilience-based interventions focus on the ability to combat stereotype threat.

Results of the meta-analysis revealed that all three types of interventions reduced the negative impact that stereotype threat had on performance. Belief-based interventions were most effective. Identity-based were the next most effective, followed by resilience-based which were the least effective.

The type of stereotype threat also influenced the effectiveness. Interventions that target race or gender had more positive effects than those that target age or lower SES. Laboratory interventions were also more effective than those in the field.

Liu, S., Liu, P., Wang, M., Zhang, B. (2020). Effectiveness of Stereotype Threat Interventions: A Meta-Analytic Review. Journal of Applied Psychology, advance online publication.