Stereotype Threat

Stereotype threat refers to the fear experienced by individuals from stigmatized groups that they may be negatively judged or treated based on stereotypes about their group or that their behavior might inadvertently confirm those stereotypes. Research on stereotype threat has primarily focused on its effects in challenging performance situations. These often unconscious fears can result in performance outcomes that fall below an individual’s potential, paradoxically reinforcing the stereotypes.

The stereotype threat effect can contribute, for example, to the underrepresentation of girls or children from immigrant families in gifted education programs, as it may result in these individuals being less often recognized as gifted.