Measurement Of Stereotype Threat Among Drug Users And Its Impact On Inhibitory Control

Drug users are often rejected and discriminated after returning to society and are labeled as "addicts",and stereotype threat plays an important role in removing the "addict" label and reducing relapse.However,the measurement of stereotype threat was mainly focused on guiding words and lacked stereotype threat measurement tools for drug users in China.Therefore,Study 1 revised foreign Stereotype Threat Scales into a Stereotype Threat scale suitable for the Chinese drug users and examined its reliability and validity.The results found that the revised Drug Stereotype Threat Scale consisted of 3 dimensions and 10 items,and the internal consistency coefficient of the scale was 0.760.The construct validity of the scale was good,and it could be used as measurement of stereotype threat among Chinese drug users.Drug users have certain deficits in inhibitory control,and previous studies have found that stereotype threat impairs individuals’ inhibitory control,but few studies have examined the effects of stereotype threat on inhibitory control among drug users.Therefore,Study 2 used a mixed experimental design of 2(group: stereotype threat group/control group)× 2(cue: drug-related/ neutral)to examine the differences in inhibitory control ability among drug users under different stereotype threat conditions.The results found that(1)Compared to in the control condition,drug users had higher drug use stereotype threat in the threat condition.(2)Compared to neutral-related cues,drug users had poorer inhibitory control in drug-related cues.(3)Compared to the control condition,drug users had poorer inhibitory control in the stereotype threat condition.Drug users suffered from stereotype threat after returning to society.Therefore,reducing the effects of stereotype threat was important for drug users.Prior task success can improve individuals’ self-esteem and self-confidence,thus reducing the negative effects of stereotype threat.Therefore,Experiment 3 used a mixed experimental design of 3(group: threatened intervention group/threatened no intervention group/control group)× 2(cue: drug use related/neutral)to examine the effectiveness of prior task success experience as an intervention strategy.Results found that(1)Compared to control group,drug users had higher stereotypes threat in the threat intervention group and threat no intervention group.(2)Compared to the control and threat no intervention groups,Drug users had better inhibitory control performance in the threat intervention group.This study developed a new measurement instrument of stereotype threat,provided new evidence that stereotype threat affects inhibitory control,and provided targeted advice for reducing stereotype threat effects.According to the results of this study,the experience of prior task success provided new directions for drug users to gain self-confidence,reduce the effects of stereotype threat,maintain mental health,and help them return to society properly.