GIRLS as young as six believe that exceptional talent is a male trait, according to "heartbreaking" research into gender stereotypes.

They also shun activities and games for the "really, really smart" from the same age, believing their male counterparts are more likely to exhibit "brilliance", the scientists said.

The stereotype being harboured from a young age is likely to reduce the chances of women pursuing prestigious careers, they wrote in the Science journal.

Study co-author Andrei Cimpian, a psychology professor at New York University, said: "Not only do we see that girls just starting out in school are absorbing some of society's stereotyped notions of brilliance, but these young girls are also choosing activities based on these stereotypes.

"This is heartbreaking."

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