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.

摘要

本研究探讨了冒险如何保护女性在科学、技术、工程和数学 (STEM) 领域免受负面性别刻板印象的影响。在研究 1 中，STEM 专业的男女本科生 (N = 1013) 进行了一项在线调查，评估风险承担、学术成果和对刻板印象威胁的脆弱性。无论性别如何，冒险都预示着积极的学业成果。然而，性别与冒险之间出现了显着的相互作用，表明冒险程度较高的女性报告的对刻板印象威胁的脆弱性较低。在研究 2 中，STEM 专业的本科女性（N = 140）参加了一项旨在通过测试（数学表现与解决问题的能力）来引发刻板印象威胁的实验，同时评估心血管反应性。分层回归显示，在经历刻板印象威胁的风险较高的女性表现出适应性心血管反应，从而提高了数学成绩。研究结果表明，冒险可能会缓冲性别刻板印象的后果。干预措施可能会加强 STEM 女性的冒险精神，以提高学业成绩和保留率。