STIGMA AND MENTAL ILLNESS: THE ROLE OF STEREOTYPE THREAT ON PERFORMANCE OF COGNITIVE MEASURES

Deficits in cognitive functioning observed in people with schizophrenia are well-documented; however, social psychologists recognize that additional societal factors, such as stigma and discrimination, may further contribute to these observed deficits in functioning. This study investigated the role of stereotype threat on cognitive functioning of people with schizophrenia. This group encounters stigma in various realms such as employment, relationships and housing. The negative stereotypes regarding this population have been well-documented and studied. In the current study, 60 participants were randomized into a control or stereotype condition. The participants completed a series of cognitive tests and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). Participants in the stereotype threat condition were primed with a statement and questions to induce stereotype threat. The order of test administration was part of the threat induction. Stereotype threat was not found to impact the performance of cognitive measures for this group. In-group identification, stigma endorsement, and anxiety levels did not predict performance on cognitive measures.PH.D in Psychology, May 201