What is stereotype threat?

Stereotype threat refers to the fear or anxiety that individuals may experience when they are at risk of confirming negative stereotypes about their social group. This phenomenon can hinder performance in various areas, such as academic settings or standardized tests, as individuals may become overly concerned about reinforcing a stereotype, leading to stress and decreased performance. The concern stems from the pressure to disprove the stereotype, which can distract from the task at hand and ultimately result in poor outcomes.

In the context of this question, identifying stereotype threat as a concern related to negative stereotypes is crucial. Negative stereotypes impose limitations and expectations on individuals, which can create psychological barriers that affect their abilities and self-efficacy. Understanding this concept highlights the importance of recognizing how societal perceptions can impact individual performance and behavior. In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the essence of stereotype threat, as they either misrepresent the nature of the stereotype being discussed or focus on unrelated psychological phenomena.