Stereotype threat and female communication styles

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Communication Studies
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Stereotype threat research primarily focuses on performance deficits.
• Interpersonal consequences of stereotype threat, particularly in communication, are under-explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how stereotype threat influences women's communication styles.
• To examine the interpersonal outcomes of stereotype-induced communication changes in women.

Main Methods:

• Three experiments were conducted to test the effects of stereotype threat on women's communication.
• Study 2 utilized self-affirmation as an intervention.
• Study 3 assessed evaluator perceptions of women exhibiting stereotype-influenced communication.

Main Results:

• Women experiencing stereotype threat regarding leadership adopted more masculine communication styles.
• Self-affirmation interventions successfully eliminated stereotype threat's effect on communication style.
• Women exhibiting stereotype-induced communication changes were perceived as less warm, less likable, and elicited less compliance.

Conclusions:

• Stereotype threat can alter women's communication, leading to unintended negative interpersonal consequences.
• Self-affirmation strategies can counteract stereotype threat's impact on communication.
• The findings highlight the complex interpersonal dynamics influenced by stereotype threat in leadership contexts.