Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of gender stereotype threat induction and the use of an external focus of attention on performance and kinematics of the standing long jump in women.

Methods: Forty-five non-athlete women performed the long jump in two phases. In the baseline phase, participants completed four jumps without receiving any specific instructions or experimental manipulation, and performance (jump distance) and kinematics (maximum knee flexion prior to take-off) were recorded. Participants were then randomly assigned to three groups: (1) gender stereotype threat induction, (2) gender stereotype threat induction combined with external focus instruction, and (3) a neutral condition. In the experimental phase, participants performed four jumps under their assigned conditions.

Results: The results of the linear mixed-effects model indicated that in the performance dimension, the main effects of experimental conditions and phases were significant (p < 0.05), but the interaction effect was not significant (p = 0.64), suggesting that gender stereotype threat and external focus did not significantly affect performance. In contrast, in the kinematic dimension, the interaction effect was significant (p = 0.03), and maximum knee flexion in the stereotype threat combined with external focus condition, as well as in the neutral condition, was significantly greater than in the stereotype threat condition.

Conclusion: The lack of performance differences may be due to task simplicity and the low skill level of participants. However, kinematic changes suggest that stereotype threat influenced movement patterns, while external focus may help mitigate its negative effects.