stereotype threat diversity inclusion

Triggering “white racist” stereotype threat has been shown to increase anxiety and have negative cognitive and behavioral consequences in whites, including:

  • Physically distancing themselves from African American conversation partners.

  • Fidgeting or avoiding eye contact.

  • Impaired working memory caused by monitoring or regulating behavior to avoid appearing prejudiced.
  • Temporary increases in implicit (unconscious) racial bias.

  • Desire to avoid interactions with African American conversation partner.

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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
Workplace Diversity Hindered By Failure To Communicate| Huffington Post | Study of 700 Managers
A Year of Diversity & Inclusion Backlash | Posted December 30, 2015 by Leah Smiley, CDE
Failing To Live Up To Diversity, Inclusion Goals | By Dan Cook at BenefitsPro