The aim of this study was to assess the impact of stereotype threat related to leadership on women's negative affect and state self-esteem, and to explore whether this impact is moderated by the woman identity centrality. In our experimental study (N = 110), we manipulated exposure to information regarding the gender gap in top leadership positions, and biographical information about successful male leaders. Results revealed that women exposed to stereotype threat showed increased negative affect compared to those in the control condition. The findings also provide evidence that the detrimental effects of stereotype threat on state self-esteem were mitigated among women with high women identity centrality, thus demonstrating that high women identity centrality serves as a buffering factor against stereotype threat. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms that enable woman identity centrality to counteract the negative influence of stereotype threat on state self-esteem, despite the fact that it does not alter the direct effect of such threats on negative affect.
