Exploring the perceptions and stigmatizing experiences of Israeli family caregivers of people with Parkinson's disease

The antecedents and consequences of stereotype threat in Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine what factors make people with Parkinson's disease more susceptible to stereotype threat (i.e., the concern of being evaluated in line with negative group-based stereotypes) and the clinical consequences of this.

METHOD

Forty-nine people with Parkinson's disease completed a measure of stereotype threat, as well as measures that indexed potential antecedents and clinical consequences of stereotype threat.

RESULTS

Younger age and greater communication difficulties emerged as significant predictors of stereotype threat. Higher stereotype threat was also associated with increased emotional distress.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are an important first step in understanding stereotype threat in Parkinson's disease and may help to guide the development of intervention and educational efforts aimed at countering its effects.