Reduzir o estereótipo de sobrepeso melhora a aprendizagem motora em mulheres

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of overweight stereotype threat on learning a balance task in women. Participants practiced 10 trials of a dynamic balance task, and their learning was observed in a retention test, one day later. Before practice, the stereotype threat (ST) group received instructions introducing the task is influenced by individual differences, where overweight people usually present worse outcomes. For the reduced stereotype threat group (RST), instructions informed that the task was not influenced by individual differences. After practice, all participants filled out a questionnaire measuring intrinsic motivation. Performance and learning, as well as increased intrinsic motivation, were enhanced for participants of the RST group, compared with participants of the ST group. The findings indicate that the learning of balance skills can be affected by the use of instructions designed to reduce stereotype threat. They add to the growing evidence of the impact of social-cognitive factors on motor skill learning.