Take a Chance on STEM: Risk-Taking Buffers Negative Effects of Stereotype Threat

Abstract

The present research examined how risk-taking protects against consequences of negative gender stereotypes among women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). In Study 1, undergraduate women and men in STEM (N = 1013) took an online survey assessing risk-taking, academic outcomes, and vulnerability to stereotype threat. Risk-taking predicted positive academic outcomes, regardless of gender. However, a significant interaction between gender and risk-taking emerged, indicating women with higher risk-taking reported lower vulnerability to stereotype threat. In Study 2, undergraduate women in STEM (N = 140) participated in an experiment designed to elicit stereotype threat through the framing of a test (math performance versus problem solving skills) while cardiovascular reactivity was assessed. Hierarchical regression revealed women higher in risk-taking experiencing stereotype threat exhibited adaptive cardiovascular reactivity, accounting for improved math performance. Findings suggest risk-taking may buffer consequences of gender stereotypes. Interventions may bolster risk-taking among women in STEM to improve academic performance and retention.

Keywords:

• Risk-taking
• stereotype threat
• women in STEM
• challenge and threat
• individual differences

Acknowledgements

Data is available from the corresponding author. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent views of the National Institutes of Health.

Additional information

Funding

Research was supported by National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health.