Stereotype Threat Theory

Stereotype Threat Theory suggests that when people are aware of negative stereotypes about their group, it can create anxiety and self-doubt, which may impair their performance in that area. For example, if women are told that their gender stereotypes suggest they’re worse at math, they might perform worse on math tests—not because they lack ability, but because the stereotype affects their confidence and focus. This phenomenon highlights how social expectations and biases can unconsciously influence individual achievements, often reinforcing the very stereotypes they originate from.