Chloe Laporte

Date Approved

2023

Degree Type

Open Access Senior Honors Thesis

Department or School

Psychology

First Advisor

Rusty McIntyre, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Natalie Dove, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Ann R. Eisenberg, Ph.D.!

Abstract

This study examined stereotype threat for students from the LGBTQ+ community. Stereotype threat can cause negative effects regarding performance and can influence the expression of social behaviors. This project observed differences between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ identifying groups who believe the study tests performance stereotypes for LGBTQ+ students (or not), on a quantitative test, as well as for responses about social behaviors. I postulated that LGBTQ+ individuals under threat will perform more poorly on the test, and exhibit more problematic social behaviors. In the current study, some participants were assigned to a control condition and were given a diagnostic test, while others were assigned to the threat condition and were given a pilot test after being threatened. Results showed that the test only demonstrated a main effect of lower performance for all participants when the test was described as diagnostic of performance. Additionally, results showed that members of the LGBTQ+ community exhibited more negative experiences as compared to non-LGBTQ+ identifying individuals regardless of test condition. Past research has shown the serious negative consequences of stereotype threat within other marginalized groups, so administering this study within the LGBTQ+ community strengthens existing research.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

COinS