Abstract
Previous studies have found the effects of stereotype threat (ST) on cognitive processes, emotions, and motivations which could account for the underperformance in domain tasks. Efficient brain function does not require the function of different brain regions during specific tasks, but it does require the brain networks on which information is transported. Based on these, the effects of ST on the degree centrality under the resting state of brain regions related to these processes were investigated under math-related ST. The results showed that RSDC was decreased in the left hippocampus and left middle occipital gyrus (MOC), while RSDC was increased in the left precuneus, the right angular gyrus (AG), and the right superior parietal gyrus (SPG) under ST. Interestingly, we also found that the right-left anterior temporal lobe (ATL) and the right hippocampus were negatively correlated with manipulation check (MC) score in the ST group, while the right-left ATL and the right hippocampus were positively correlated with MC score in the control group. These results might reflect those individuals who attempted to inhibit the negative emotions induced by the negative stereotypes under ST conditions while increasing the self-relevant processes by retrieving episodic memory or autobiographical memory.
Highlights
Stereotype threat (ST) refers to the feeling of threat which is induced when individuals are worried that their behavior might confirm a stereotype or stigmatize the social identity of their in-group (Schmader and Johns, 2003; Jamieson and Harkins, 2007; Wout et al, 2009)
Mixed-Effect Analysis of the Binary Graph The results of 2 × 2 (ST: ST group vs. control group) mixed-effect analysis for the binary graph showed that the main effect of the test was significant in the left hippocampus, middle cingulate gyrus (MCG), right cerebellum, and left precentral gyrus (PCG), while the interaction between the test and ST was significant in the left cerebellum anterior lobe, left hippocampus, left precuneus, and left middle occipital gyrus (MOC)
For the brain regions that had a significant main effect of the test, the results showed that the mean RS-fMRI degree centrality (RSDC) z-value only in MCG was higher for the ST group relative to the control group [F(1, 45) = 4.883, p = 0.032]
Summary
Stereotype threat (ST) refers to the feeling of threat which is induced when individuals are worried that their behavior might confirm a stereotype or stigmatize the social identity of their in-group (Schmader and Johns, 2003; Jamieson and Harkins, 2007; Wout et al, 2009). It has been confirmed that the negative stereotypes about a social identity could add pressure or concern and lead to underperformance in domain tasks (Steele and Aronson, 1995; Steele, 1997). According to the integrated process model of ST, ST first induces an imbalance among the concepts of in-group, the ability of domain tasks, and self, which implies that ST must be self-relevant (Schmader et al, 2008; Liu et al, 2021). When the ability of domain tasks is threatened by ST information, it can lead to the processes of self-doubt and self-validating the stereotype (Steele and Aronson, 1995), where negative thinking (Cadinu et al, 2005) and negative emotions (Johns et al, 2008) are further generated. To reduce the detrimental effects of negative thinking and negative emotions on performance, individuals attempt to suppress them, which reduces the working memory capacity required by the performance of domain tasks (Schmader and Johns, 2003; Johns et al, 2008)
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