Examining the Effect of Mindset Theory on Stereotype Threat Experienced by Overweight People in Public Gym Facilities

Abstract

Stereotype threat is a psychological phenomenon that is experienced by marginalized groups when they perceive they are at risk for conforming to a negative stereotype. The current research proposal seeks to determine if overweight people experience stereotype threat in public gym settings, and if mindset can have an effect on the degree of the level of threat perceived. Mindset theory states that there are two distinct mindsets: fixed and growth, which are not constant and can be manipulated. The proposed study involves collecting data in order to determine if mindset can have an effect on the perceived level of threat. It is predicted that people with a growth mindset are more likely to overcome the cognitive challenges of stereotype threat in the gym while people with a fixed mindset are more likely to give up. This is a research proposal, and therefore no data were actually collected for this proposal.