Triggering “white racist” stereotype threat has been shown to increase anxiety and have negative cognitive and behavioral consequences in whites, including:
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Physically distancing themselves from African American conversation partners.
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Fidgeting or avoiding eye contact.
- Impaired working memory caused by monitoring or regulating behavior to avoid appearing prejudiced.
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Temporary increases in implicit (unconscious) racial bias.
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Desire to avoid interactions with African American conversation partner.
Recommended Reading
The Space Between Us: Stereotype Threat and Distance in Interracial Contexts
Concerns About Appearing Prejudiced Get Under The Skin: Stress Responses To Interracial Contact In The Moment And Across Time
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