Reversing downward performance spirals

► We provide a prescription for reversing downward performance spirals. ► Before feedback, performance is better with an ingroup versus an outgroup experimenter. ► Performers descend into downward spirals after ingroup (not outgroup) discouragement. ► Performers snap out of downward spirals after ingroup (not outgroup) encouragement. ► Performers recover via motivation to prove the outgroup wrong and the ingroup right.