Revisiting the concept of stereotype threat(s): Is it all about the situation?

Abstract

Nearly 30 years ago, Steele and Aronson (1995) proposed the concept of stereotype threat. Despite the rich literature on the topic, the robustness and significance of stereotype threat effects face scrutiny due to unsuccessful replications and meta-analyses. This article moves beyond methodological issues to address potential conceptual challenges that may underlie these difficulties in assessing stereotype threat. One major challenge is the difficulty in clearly defining and measuring stereotype threat, as it is often conflated with its outcomes, particularly performance effects. Another challenge relates to its situational nature, which has been interpreted too narrowly, assuming uniform experiences of stereotype threat across all groups. This article advocates for a return to a broader understanding of stereotype threat, one that recognizes the interaction between situational and individual factors within a larger societal context. Such an approach is essential for effectively testing stereotype threat theory across diverse groups and outcomes, reinforcing its situational foundation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).