von Hippel

 Stereotype threat, Disengagement, and Wellbeing

von Hippel, C. (University of Queensland), Kalokerinos, E. (The University of Newcastle), Zacher, H. (Leipzig University)

Stereotype threat can lead to acute performance decrements and reduced engagement. The current research examined stereotype threat among older and younger employees, age groups that are the target of negative age-based stereotypes. Study 1 demonstrated that older employees feelings of stereotype threat were related to more negative job attitudes and intentions to resign. In Study 2, younger and older employees were surveyed. The results indicated that only for older employees were feelings of stereotype threat negatively related to job attitudes, work mental health, and intentions to resign. The third study used a diary design over five weeks to examine two mechanisms that might explain this differential response to stereotype threat: (1) stress appraisals of challenge and hindrance and (2) rumination. Results showed that while both older and younger employees experienced age-based stereotype threat, it was uniquely problematic for older employees. Furthermore, challenge appraisals mediated the relationships between age-based stereotype threat and job engagement, commitment, and intentions to quit among older, but not younger, employees. Rumination mediated the relationships between age-based stereotype threat and job satisfaction, commitment, wellbeing, and intentions to quit among older, but not younger, employees.

Event Timeslots (1)

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Stereotyping and Intergroup Processes