Early Exposure to People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities and Later Attitudes Toward Social Interactions and Inclusion

Main Article Content

Emily M. Lund
Tom Seekins

Abstract

This study assessed the relationship between exposure to classmates with visible impairments in primary and secondary schools with later attitudes toward people with disabilities.  Fifty college students (mean age = 20.28 years; 76% female) completed measures assessing the extent and quality of recalled exposure to classmates with disabilities in elementary and secondary school. Attitudes toward social inclusion and toward a hypothetical social interaction were also measured. Participants reported generally high levels and quality of exposure, with significantly more exposure at the secondary level. Quality of exposure at both the elementary and secondary levels was significantly (p < .01) correlated with more positive cognitions (i.e., thoughts) during a hypothetical social interaction. Cognitions were not significantly correlated with emotions or behaviors and amount of elementary exposure was negatively correlated with attitudes to social inclusion (p < .05). These results suggest a possible relation between positive early experiences and later friendship intentions that should be further explored.

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Article Details

How to Cite
Lund, E. M., & Seekins, T. (2014). Early Exposure to People with Physical and Sensory Disabilities and Later Attitudes Toward Social Interactions and Inclusion. Research, Advocacy, and Practice for Complex and Chronic Conditions, 33(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.14434/pders.v33i1.4825
Section
Advocacy and Policy
Author Biography

Emily M. Lund, University of Montana Rural Institute Utah State University

Graduate student, Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation, Utah State University