Group identification and college adjustment: the experience of encountering a novel stereotype.
Previous research has investigated members of stigmatized groups by studying the consequences of encountering stereotypes for performance and self-esteem. The present study extends these findings by examining the experience of entering a new environment and encountering a negative stereotype for the first time (i.e., a novel stereotype). Participants were students admitted "provisionally" to a large state university. Results suggest that, when encountering a novel stereotype, targets of stereotypes differed in their identification with the group, and that this identification moderated the consequences of the stereotype for performance and self-esteem. Implications for future research are discussed. These data also suggest that a college-based intervention program can provide a buffer against negative stereotypes by reducing the perceived applicability of the stereotype.
Newman
Matthew L
ML
Arizona State University, Social and Behavioral Sciences, 4701 W. Thunderbird Rd, MC 3051, Glendale, 85306, USA. matt.newman@asu.edu
Keough
Kelli A
KA
Lee
Richard M
RM
D000124:Achievement; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001076:Aptitude; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012073:Remedial Teaching; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D013240:Stereotyping; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*