The Power of Perceptions: Examining How Race, Gender, and Athletic Identities Influence Self-Concepts, Efficacy, and Stereotype Threat

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In order to support students from diverse backgrounds in their efforts to be stronger academically, researchers and practitioners must have a concrete understanding of how societal and self perceptions intersect to influence academic outcomes. This session examines the influence of multiple identities, including gender, race, and athletic identities on academic outcomes and goal-setting. The first paper investigates how activating multiple identities can counter the negative outcomes associated with gender-based stereotype threat. The second paper demonstrates the positive relationship between racial cohesion and goal efficacy in Black college students. The final paper examines the academic and athletic identity of boys (grades 3-12) involved in sports. This symposium will be useful to those seeking strength-based approaches to achievement.

Sub Unit

• Division G - Social Context of Education / Section 2: Education in Multicultural Contexts Within and Across Subject Areas

Chair

• Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards, The University of Texas - Austin

Papers

• Invoking Multiple Stereotypes: What Regulatory Focus Tells Us About How We Look at Threat - Alyssa Reinhart, The University of Texas - Austin

• Racial Cohesion and Goal Efficacy: The Impact of Racial Appraisals on Black College Students - Alaina Elizabeth Flannigan, University of Texas - Austin; Keisha L. Bentley-Edwards, The University of Texas - Austin

• Athlete or Academic? The Relationship Between Athletic Identity and Academic Self-Concept - Paul A Robbins, The University of Texas - Austin; Louis Harrison, The University of Texas - Austin

Discussant

• Louis Harrison, The University of Texas - Austin