https://doi.org/10.1177/1368430218767034
Group Processes & Intergroup Relations
2018, Vol. 21(5) 767–787
© The Author(s) 2018
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DOI: 10.1177/1368430218767034
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Group Processes &
Intergroup Relations
Women and racial minority groups have made
advancements in the employment sector over the
last five decades, which is reflected in their repre-
sentation in the U.S. workforce (U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics, 2017). However, careers in which
women and racial minority groups are persis-
tently underrepresented are those in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics
Wise psychological interventions to
improve gender and racial equality
in STEM
Bettina J. Casad,
1
Danielle L. Oyler,
2
Erin T. Sullivan,
1
Erika M. McClellan,
3
Destiny N. Tierney,
1
Drake A. Anderson,
1
Paul A. Greeley,
1
Michael A. Fague,
1
and Brian J. Flammang
1
Abstract
Women and racial minorities are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) fields. This review describes six “wise” psychological interventions that can improve gender
and race equality in STEM education by addressing psychological processes that inhibit achievement.
The interventions are brief, low cost, and effective because they target specific psychological processes
that cause disinterest, disengagement, and poor performance in STEM education. Interventions
promoting a growth mindset address needs for competence and confidence. Communal goal
interventions portray STEM as fulfilling communal values. Utility-value interventions highlight the
usefulness and value of STEM education in students’ lives and careers. Values-affirmation interventions
can buffer negative effects of social identity threat by reaffirming one’s personal values. Belonging
interventions can bolster sense of belonging and identity in STEM by fostering a personal connection
with the STEM community. Role models can instill a sense of belonging and identity compatibility in
underrepresented groups in STEM. Educators, researchers, and policy makers can promote STEM
education and careers by advocating for wise psychological interventions.
Keywords
achievement gap, gender equality, psychological interventions, race equality, STEM
Paper received 2 April 2017; revised version accepted 28 February 2018
1
University of Missouri – St. Louis, USA
2
University of Missouri – Columbia, USA
3
Saint Louis University, USA
Corresponding author:
Bettina J. Casad, Department of Psychological Sciences,
University of Missouri – St. Louis, One University Blvd., 325
Stadler Hall, St. Louis, MO 63121, USA.
Email: casadbj@umsl.edu
767034GPI 0 0 10.1177/1368430218767034Group Processes & Intergroup RelationsCasad et al.
research-article 2018
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