Reducing Stereotype Threat With Embodied Triggers: A Case of Sensorimotor-Mental Congruence.
In four experiments, we tested whether embodied triggers may reduce stereotype threat. We predicted that left-side sensorimotor inductions would increase cognitive performance under stereotype threat, because such inductions are linked to avoidance motivation among right-handers. This sensorimotor-mental congruence hypothesis rests on regulatory fit research showing that stereotype threat may be reduced by avoidance-oriented interventions, and motor congruence research showing positive effects when two parameters of a motor action activate the same motivational system (avoidance or approach). Results indicated that under stereotype threat, cognitive performance was higher when participants contracted their left hand (Study 1) or when the stimuli were presented on the left side of the visual field (Studies 2-4), as compared with right-hand contraction or right-side visual stimulation. These results were observed on math (Studies 1, 2, and 4) and Stroop (Study 3) performance. An indirect effect of congruence on math performance through subjective fluency was also observed.
Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, Nanterre cedex, France Université Grenoble Alpes, France aina.chalabaev@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr.
Aïna
A
Chalabaev
Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Nice cedex, France.
Rémi
R
Radel
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
E J
EJ
Masicampo
Université Paris Ouest Nanterre La Défense, Nanterre cedex, France.
Vincent
V
Dru
D000328:Adult; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D010775:Photic Stimulation; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D013240:Stereotyping; D057190:Stroop Test; D014796:Visual Perception; D055815:Young Adult
avoidance motivation; embodied cognition; motor congruence; regulatory fit; stereotype threat