Threat inoculation: Experienced and imagined intergenerational contact prevent stereotype threat effects on older people’s math performance

Abrams, Dominic, Crisp, Richard J., Marques, Sibila, Fagg, Emily, Bedford, Lauren, Provias, Dimitri (2008) Threat inoculation: Experienced and imagined intergenerational contact prevent stereotype threat effects on older people’s math performance. Psychology and Aging, 23 (4). pp. 934-939. ISSN 0882-7974. (doi:10.1037/a0014293) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:23650)

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0014293

Abstract

The authors hypothesized that experienced and imagined intergenerational contact should improve older people's math test performance under stereotype threat. In Experiment 1 (N = 5 1, mean age = 69 years), positive prior contact with grandchildren eliminated stereotype threat, which was mediated partially by reduced test-related anxiety. In Experiment 2 (N = 84. mean age = 72 years), the effect of threat on performance was significantly improved when participants merely imagined intergenerational contact, a situation again mediated by reduced anxiety. Previous research established that intergroup contact improves intergroup attitudes. The findings show that intergroup (intergenerational) contact also provides a defense against stereotype threat.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1037/a0014293
Uncontrolled keywords:	intergenerational contact; stereotype threat; test performance; imagined contact
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Psychology
Depositing User:	Anna Johns
Date Deposited:	05 Feb 2010 13:48 UTC
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2024 10:03 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/23650 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Abrams, Dominic.

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2113-4572
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Crisp, Richard J..

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