DescriptionExposure to discrimination and negative stereotypes deplete cognitive resources and ultimately undermine the achievement of members belonging to stigmatized groups. However, emotional disclosure boosts psychological resources. This dissertation research had three main goals. The first goal was to experimentally test whether a brief emotional disclosure writing assignment regarding a past discriminatory or traumatic experience would have beneficial effects on cognitive performance (Study 1). The second goal was to examine whether observed emotional disclosure benefits were due to the gains supplied by disclosure or by the costs imposed by suppression (Study 2). The third goal was to test whether disclosing emotions regarding any past negative event would reduce stereotype threat and improve academic performance (Study 3). Collectively, results from Studies 1-3 indicate that emotional disclosure improves cognitive and academic performance for all students, and may especially help those who have or currently face discrimination, trauma, or negative stereotypes.