Expectations of obese trainees:: How stigmatized trainee characteristics influence training effectiveness

• 成果类型: Article; Proceedings Paper
• 署名作者: Shapiro, Jenessa R.; King, Eden B.; Quinones, Miguel A.
• 署名单位: Arizona State University; Arizona State University-Tempe; Rice University; Southern Methodist University
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0021-9010
• DOI: 10.1037/0021-9010.92.1.239
• 发表日期: 2007
• 页码: 239-249
• 关键词: Training; obesity; trainee characteristics; expectancy effects; stigma

摘要

This study identifies stigma as a potential precursor to self-fulfilling prophecies in training interactions. Expectations held by leaders often result in actions that elicit expectancy-confirming behaviors from their subordinates. The results of the present study suggest that trainee weight (manipulated with a photograph depicting the trainee as either obese or average weight for height) influenced female trainer expectations and evaluations of the training and trainee. Furthermore, the results suggest that negative expectations held by trainers were related to trainee evaluations of the training and the trainer and, for less flexible trainers, to decrements in trainee performance on the trained task. Overall, the results suggest that trainer expectations can be influenced by stereotypes held about trainee characteristics, thus undermining training effectiveness.