Self-reflection interventions for implicit gender bias reduction: Scoping the literature for a conceptual way forward

Abstract

ABSTRACT Current binary male/female perceptions of gender in the colonial West are inherently exclusionary, breed inequality and violence, and curb full expression of self, limiting personal and collective potential. Implicit gender biases are unseen cognitive forces within us, manipulating internal and external experiences of the illegitimate and manufactured gender binary that infuses into daily culture, and undermines our ability to achieve true equality in society. This scoping review assesses 2010–2020 empirical research on self-reflection interventions to reduce implicit bias, analyzes their mechanisms of change, and suggests foundational efficacy components and a conceptual framework for reducing implicit gender bias. We searched six databases and yielded a total of 1,603 results. After utilizing critical appraisal tools, 15 articles remained for final scoping review analysis. Eleven of 15 self-reflection intervention articles showed significant efficacy in reducing implicit bias. Content analysis noted four mechanisms of implicit bias change across all resulting interventions: extension of in-group, decreased automaticity, awareness and concern of bias, and practice. Results suggest that self-reflection interventions informed by all four mechanisms will likely yield the most efficacious conceptual framework to reduce implicit gender bias. Reducing implicit gender bias has power to shift human behavior and revolutionize systemic and social norms.