administrator,+GOLDSTEIN-StereotypeThreat-XXIX-2

Abstract

  • Exposure to stereotypes targeting American identity is a significant source of stress for U.S. student sojourners across racial/ethnic groups.

  • Examines vulnerability and reactions to stereotype threat in US students abroad.

  • Stereotype threat: Expectation of negative judgment based on social identity stereotypes.

  • Study utilized online questionnaires for 95 students before and after the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

  • Key findings: Gender, cultural intelligence, and exposure to Trump-related stereotypes predict stereotype threat.

  • Responses to stereotype threat may include distancing from U.S. identity and altering appearance/behavior.

  • Implications for support and future research are discussed.

Introduction

  • Encountering stereotypes as Americans abroad is a major source of stress for students.

  • Impact of stereotypes on national identity and psychological adjustment highlighted.

  • Identity development: Critical during the average age of students studying abroad.

  • Lack of research on the conditions contributing to sensitivity to stereotyping.

  • Understanding stereotypes can enable better support for students studying abroad.

Stereotype Threat

  • Definition: Occurs when individuals expect negative judgment based on their social group.

  • Situational cues can lead to feeling at risk of confirming stereotypes.

  • Predominantly researched in academic performance but also affects social engagement.

Predictors of Stereotype Threat

  • Internal Factors: Strong identification with the targeted group increases vulnerability.

  • External Factors: Higher visibility in social situations correlates with higher stereotype threat.

  • Proposed hypotheses to investigate:

    • H1: Stronger identification with U.S. nationality predicts greater stereotype threat.

    • H2: Greater perceived visibility in the host culture predicts greater stereotype threat.

  • Sociopolitical climate affects stereotype threat; especially prevalent during high-profile events (e.g., 2016 Presidential election).

Experiences of U.S. Students Abroad

  • American students encountered Trump stereotypes affecting their experiences:

    • Feelings of embarrassment and discomfort discussed in student blogs and interviews.

  • Hypothesis H3: Greater exposure to negative stereotypes will lead to greater stereotype threat.

Cultural Intelligence

  • Definition: Intercultural skills and motivation can mitigate stereotype threat.

  • Hypothesis H4: Higher cultural intelligence associates with lower stereotype threat.

  • Hypothesis H5: Psychological well-being correlates negatively with stereotype threat.

Responses to Stereotype Threat

  • Various reactions include:

    • Disengaging: Detaching from the threatened social group.

    • Distancing: Changing behavior to appear less typical of the group.

    • Avoiding interactions with other group members.

    • Assimilating: Adopting characteristics of a more respected group.

    • Challenging stereotypes through positive communication of group attributes.

Method

  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) compliance and ethical procedures were followed.

  • Sample included 95 students: 15 males and 80 females. Varied backgrounds and study locations (Europe, Asia, etc.).

  • Instruments for assessing stereotype exposure, stereotype threat, visibility, American identity, and cultural intelligence were detailed.

Results

Stereotype Exposure

  • Common stereotypes identified include:

    • Loudness, Trump supporters, friendliness, uneducated, rude, drinking habits, and wealth.

  • Trump stereotype highlighted as prevalent in discussions.

Correlates and Predictors of Stereotype Threat

  • Preliminary analyses indicated significant correlates with visibility and cultural intelligence measures.

  • Results revealed that female participants reported higher stereotype threat.

Discussion

  • Strength of national identity prior to study abroad did not predict stereotype threat as expected.

  • Visibility in the host culture positively correlated but not a strong predictor.

  • Exposure to Trump-related stereotypes significantly predicted stereotype threat.

  • Cultural intelligence (CQ) knowledge could help counter stereotype threats.

  • Lack of correlation between psychological well-being and stereotype threat needs further exploration.

Limitations and Future Research

  • Study limitations include small sample size, single institution, and gender representation.

  • Future research should examine a wider range of students and incorporate queries about their political attitudes.

Implications for Study Abroad Programs

  • Increased awareness of stereotype threat's impact on students is necessary for support and preparation.

  • Training on recognizing and managing stereotypes can be beneficial.

  • Research into the clinical implications of stereotype threat and its effects on adjustment and well-being is recommended.