Does suppressing the thought of a self-relevant stigma affect interpersonal interaction?

J Soc Psychol. 2011 May-Jun;151(3):240-56. doi: 10.1080/00224541003599050.

Abstract

In the current study, we examined the effects of women's suppressing negative gender stereotypes while interacting with a male confederate. Compared with control participants, those who suppressed negative thoughts about women's ability experienced less self-confidence, lower self-esteem, and were more nonverbally submissive during the interaction, particularly if they were high in stigma consciousness (Pinel, 1999). These findings illustrate the negative intra- and interpersonal consequences of stigma suppression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aptitude
  • Awareness
  • Creativity
  • Defense Mechanisms*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Prejudice*
  • Self Concept*
  • Social Dominance
  • Social Stigma*
  • Space Perception
  • Stereotyping*
  • Thinking*
  • Verbal Behavior