What price success?: The view from the media

Abstract

Sex differences in participation in programs for exceptionally talented youth are well documented, as are sex differences in outstanding performance and intensive participation in subject areas such as mathematics and science. The fear of success construct is discussed as a possible explanation for these sex differences. The role played by the print media in perpetuating a climate conducive to fear of success is explored through a discussion of the ways in which successful females are portrayed. For effective intervention to occur, educators need to be aware of this pervasive influence.