Understanding Distress: An Examination of the Role of Stereotype Threat in Vigilance Tasks

Abstract

Vigilance tasks are known to be stressful and highly practical tasks present in many workplace environments. Research has examined ways to alleviate this stress but has often failed to include individual difference characteristics that might increase stress. The current research examined potential gender differences in stress after completing a vigilance task. Participants completed a questionnaire pre- and post-task measuring worry, engagement, and distress (Matthews et al., 1999) for a vigilance task. Results showed that women reported more distress after the vigilance task when reminded of a negative stereotype about their gender. Results are discussed in terms of practical implications for research examining distress during vigilance tasks, as well as considerations for future research.