Final answer:
Stereotype threat is the cognitive phenomenon where fear of confirming a negative stereotype adversely affects an individual's performance. This threat contributes to ongoing racial inequality and is a form of stress that impacts the well-being of marginalized groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The situation where minority group members are aware they may be judged based on a negative stereotype, and fear that their performance may confirm that stereotype, is known as stereotype threat. This cognitive phenomenon can significantly impact an individual's performance in various social and academic settings. The anxiety and stress resulting from the pressure not to fulfill the stereotype can inadvertently lead to a decrease in performance, thus potentially confirming the very stereotype the individual is attempting to disprove. Stereotype threat can contribute to the sedimentation of racial inequality by perpetuating false assumptions of inherent group differences in ability.
Stereotypes and the resultant discrimination impose significant stress and discrimination on marginalized groups, affecting their mental and physical health. This can become a vicious cycle, reinforced by confirmation biases and prejudice, whether explicit or implicit. Efforts to protect stigmatized group members from discrimination-induced stress may involve both legal interventions to reduce discriminatory behaviors and societal changes to address and mitigate the underlying prejudices that contribute to systematic inequality.