How can stereotypes lead to self-fulfilling prophecies?

Stereotypes can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies primarily through the mechanism of anxiety they create. When individuals are aware of negative stereotypes associated with their social group, they may experience heightened anxiety about fulfilling those stereotypes. This anxiety can negatively affect their performance in various situations, such as academic or professional contexts, leading them to indeed perform in a way that aligns with the stereotype, thus perpetuating the cycle.

The added pressure can cause individuals to underperform due to self-doubt or fear of confirming the stereotype, which reinforces the original belief held by others about that group. This phenomenon illustrates how stereotypes can not only affect the behavior and outcomes for the individuals being stereotyped but also serve to maintain and strengthen the stereotypes themselves within societal perceptions.

The other options do not accurately capture the dynamic between stereotypes and self-fulfilling prophecies. Providing realistic expectations generally encourages positive motivation, which contrasts with the anxiety-inducing nature of negative stereotypes. Fostering an environment of support and confidence can help mitigate the effects of stereotypes rather than promote them. Similarly, the ability to defy cultural norms does not align with the concepts of self-fulfilling prophecies that arise from anxiety and pressure related to stereotypes.