Those reports are not surprising, psychologist Denise Sekaquaptewa of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor wrote to ScienceInsider in an email. They line up with a lot of findings in the psychological literature on stereotype threat-the psychological harm caused by pervasive negative stereotypes. Essentially, because there are stereotypes that women or people of color are less intelligent or scientifically minded, receiving a review that reinforces such stereotypes-no matter how inaccurate-can create psychological distress. That distress, in turn, can result in self-doubt, impaired performance, and delayed career advancement.