Bilinguals in social and emotional contexts: How positive and negative moods shape stereotype judgements in bilingual women

Purpose: The study offers insights into the interplay between mood and the language of operation in the context of stereotype judgements in female bilinguals. Methodology: Participants were presented with gender stereotypically congruent and incongruent sentences in their L1 (Polish) and L2 (English). They performed a stereotype congruency judgement task while their behavioural responses were being recorded. Data and analysis: The speed and accuracy of participants’ responses were measured and analysed using linear and generalised mixed-effect modelling, respectively. Findings: Our results indicated that bilinguals’ positive and negative mood states may interact with the language of operation, irrespective of stereotype congruency. We observed a facilitatory effect on response times of a positive relative to negative mood in L2 as opposed to L1. Such findings point to strong internalisation of gender stereotype in L1, with the behavioural responses remaining unaffected by mood changes, as well as decreased internalisation of gender stereotypes and their weaker accessibility in L2 compared to L1. Originality: The study is the first to illuminate the complex interplay among mood, language of operation, and stereotype activation, enhancing our understanding of the cognitive processes underpinning social judgements in bilingual speakers. Significance: The reduced accessibility of gender stereotypes in L2 might carry important consequences for various domains such as social interactions, politics, and employment situations, where L2 may serve as a tool for encouraging gender equality and diminishing gender-based stereotypes and biases.