Work

Age-based stereotype threat mechanisms: Evidence from a working-memory task.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: proposes that ABST induces a prevention focus that prioritizes vigilance and avoids commission errors. ABST should therefore lead to reduced hits, slower responding, reduced false alarms, increased omissions, and increased response caution (i.e., higher boundary separation in a drift diffusion model). To test these predictions, older adults completed a baseline 2-back task and then repeated the task under either control instructions or instructions designed to elicit ABST. Compared with the control condition, participants in the ABST condition showed reduced practice-related gains in hit rates and a selective increase in omissions. No ABST effects were observed for response times, false alarms, drift rates, or boundary separation. Although this pattern aligns with some aspects of the regulatory focus account, ABST did not consistently result in more cautious responding, and the ABST-related increase in omissions could also reflect reduced working-memory efficiency. Overall, the findings suggest that ABST can undermine correct responding without producing clear changes in underlying decision parameters. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Psychology and Aging

DOI: 10.1037/pag0001006

Authors: Sarah J. Barber, Caroline McDonald, Kehinde Akintola, Dobromir Rahnev

Institutions: Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Aging and Gerontology Research

Subfield: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: National Institutes of Health