Multiple Gender Stereotype Threats in Motor Performance and Learning

Purpose: Stereotype threat occurs when individuals from stereotyped groups fear confirming a negative stereotype, which undermines performance and learning. This study compared the effects of multiple gender stereotype threats (ST) on motor performance and learning of a soccer dribbling task. Method: One hundred women, with low domain identification (mean age = 27.1 years, SD = 7.0), twenty per group, were randomly assigned to four ST groups, considering the target (self or group) and the source (ingroup or outgroup) of the stereotype: ST/self-outgroup, ST/self-ingroup, ST/group-outgroup, ST/group-ingroup, and a nullified-stereotype threat group (NST). After the pretest (1 trial) and before practice (15 trials), the NST group was informed that no gender differences existed in the task, while the ST groups were told that men perform better in dribbling. Participants in the self or group as targets conditions were respectively informed that their individual performance or the performance of women as a group would be evaluated. The outgroup as source groups were assessed by male players, and the ingroup as source groups by female players. Retention and transfer (adding a cone) tests (5 trials each) were conducted next day. Perceived self-efficacy and stereotype endorsement were also examined. Results: The NST group outperformed the ST groups at all phases of the experiment, with no differences between the ST conditions. Also, the participants endorsed the negative stereotype, and self-efficacy was lower in the self/in and group/out groups. Conclusion: The multiple gender stereotype threats equally impair motor performance and learning among women with low domain identification.