Being Invisible: Stereotype Threat in an Undergraduate Nursing Program

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Social Psychology
• Higher Education

Background:

• Nursing programs face challenges in recruiting and retaining ethnic minority students.
• Ethnic minority students encounter barriers, including negative identity implications.
• This study explored stereotype threat experiences among ethnic minority nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of stereotype threat among ethnic minority nursing students.
• To understand how stereotype threat impacts academic performance and persistence.
• To inform strategies for supporting diverse nursing student populations.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design.
• Semistructured, one-time in-depth interviews were conducted.
• Exploration of student experiences with stereotype threat.

Main Results:

• Three emergent themes: A Sense of Uncertainty About Abilities, Avoidance, and Vigilance for Signs of Failure.
• Students reported feelings of self-doubt and anxiety related to their group identity.
• Behavioral patterns included avoiding challenging situations and heightened monitoring for perceived failures.

Conclusions:

• Nursing faculty and administrators must recognize the impact of stereotype threat.
• Awareness can guide interventions to improve support for ethnic minority nursing students.
• Strategies are needed to foster inclusive environments and promote student graduation.