Hugh is a fun-loving,intelligent,responsible teenager who likes to dye his hair different colors.However,he is concerned that other people might construe his hair color as a reflection of poor academic achievement.His concern is an example of:

A) cognitive flexibility.
B) effortful control.
C) postconventional thinking.
D) stereotype threat.

Hugh's concern about his hair color being seen as a reflection of his academic achievement is a manifestation of stereotype threat. This occurs when someone feels pressure to perform well in order to disprove a negative stereotype about their group. In this case, Hugh may feel pressure to perform well in school in order to challenge the stereotype that people with brightly colored hair are not serious or intelligent.