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Guest E, Halliwell E, Mathews A, Alleva J, Harcourt D. More than my appearance: a pilot evaluation of the expand your Horizon Online functionality-based writing programme for adults with visible differences. Health Psychol Behav Med 2024; 12:2349004. [PMID: 38738214 PMCID: PMC11085943 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2024.2349004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Adults with conditions that affect their appearance, known as visible differences, can experience appearance concerns, social anxiety, and depression. Interventions have been developed for this population to facilitate adjustment and coping skills; however, they have limited evidence of efficacy. The Expand Your Horizon [Alleva, J. M., Martijn, C., Van Breukelen, G. J., Jansen, A., & Karos, K. (2015). Expand Your Horizon: A programme that improves body image and reduces self-objectification by training women to focus on body functionality. Body Image, 15, 81-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2015.07.001] online functionality-based writing programme was adapted for adults with visible differences. Method A pilot randomised controlled trial with a wait-list control group was carried out to assess preliminary intervention efficacy and gain information about the acceptability and feasibility of the programme. Forty-four adults aged 21-63 years (M = 40.21; SD = 12.05) with visible differences took part. Various facets of body image (i.e. functionality appreciation and body appreciation) as well as depression and anxiety were assessed immediately pre- and post-intervention and at three-months. Results Participants reported enjoying the programme, felt that the format was acceptable, and it significantly increased functionality appreciation, which was maintained at three-months. However, there were no improvements in body appreciation, depression, and anxiety. Conclusions In future, a full trial should be carried out with an active control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Guest
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Emma Halliwell
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Abbi Mathews
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Jessica Alleva
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Diana Harcourt
- Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
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Boonipat T, Hebel NSD, Shapiro D, Stotland MA. Impact of Surgical Rejuvenation on Visual Processing and Character Attribution of Faces. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2023; 11:e5038. [PMID: 37731729 PMCID: PMC10508498 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000005038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Background This study considers observers' reflexive responses to the rejuvenated face, and how instinctive responses relate to subjective judgment. We investigated observers' reflexive perception of faces both pre and post surgical intervention during the early stages of visual processing. Subjective character attribution for all test images was also assessed by the same observers. Method Forty frontal facial images of 20 patients portraying the pre- and postoperative high superficial musculoaponeurotic system facelift along with variable concomitant procedures were studied. Nineteen lookzone regions were mapped post hoc onto each image. Forty observers examined the images, whereas an eye-tracking camera recorded their eye movements. Visual fixation data were recorded and analyzed. Observers also rated each image on the basis of five elemental positive character attributes. Results A statistically coherent but nonsignificant (P > 0.05) trend was identified with the surgical intervention resulting in greater attention being paid to the central triangle region of the face with reduction in attention to the facial periphery. Facial rejuvenation significantly increased the subjective character ratings of all five positively valenced attributes tested. Average age estimate of the photos decreased significantly from 54 to 48.6 years (true average age of 57.4 years). Conclusions We provide data illustrating both reflexive and subjective responses to facial rejuvenation. Observers reported a more favorable impression of the treated faces and evaluated them as being younger than their true age. A trend was detected for increased visual fixation of the central facial region following rejuvenation. Interpretation of these findings and indication for further research is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanapoom Boonipat
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
| | | | - Daniel Shapiro
- From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn
| | - Mitchell A. Stotland
- Department of Surgery, Weill-Cornell Medical College- Doha, Qatar
- Division of Plastic, Craniofacial, and Hand Surgery, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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Mathews A, Costa B, Mikkola A, Harcourt D. ' Scars: How Our Wounds Make Us Who We Are': Improving appearance-based stigma, conceptualisation of beauty and body esteem through a documentary. Scars Burn Heal 2023; 9:20595131231205398. [PMID: 38022894 PMCID: PMC10656807 DOI: 10.1177/20595131231205398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Those with an altered appearance as a result of injury, health condition or treatment can face stigma, which may contribute to adverse psychosocial outcomes. However, current research tends to focus on supporting individuals themselves to cope, rather than targeting societal stigma. This study aimed to reduce societal stigma towards this group, through the use of a documentary about people with scars. Methods 146 adults completed questionnaires before and after viewing the documentary. Results After viewing, participants had reduced self-reported intentions to behave in a stigmatising way towards those with visible differences, broader conceptualisation of beauty, and more positive body-esteem. Qualitative data also suggested further positive impacts. Conclusion Those with visible differences (for example scars) are subject to societal stigmatisation which perpetuates psychological and social problems. Therefore, alleviating social stigma through the media, as demonstrated through the documentary in this study, may improve the lives of those living with visible differences. Lay Summary People with an altered appearance or scars as a result of injury, health condition or treatment can face stigma, which may contribute to harmful psychological and social outcomes. However, current research tends to focus on supporting affected individuals themselves to cope, rather than targeting societal stigma. This study aimed to find out whether a documentary about people with scars was successful at reducing viewers' stigma towards this group. A group of 146 adults completed questionnaires before and after viewing the documentary. After viewing, questionnaires indicated that participants had reduced intentions to behave in a stigmatising way towards those with visible differences. Furthermore, they also viewed a broader range of appearances as beautiful and felt more positive about their own bodies. Comments and feedback from participants also suggested further positive impacts. Those with visible differences (for example scars) are subject to societal stigmatisation which can cause and worsen mental health problems. Therefore, alleviating social stigma through the media, as demonstrated through the documentary in this study, may improve the lives of those living with visible differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Mathews
- The Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Bruna Costa
- The Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Aida Mikkola
- The Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Diana Harcourt
- The Centre for Appearance Research, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
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Rasset P, Mange J, Montalan B, Stutterheim SE. Towards a better understanding of the social stigma of facial difference. Body Image 2022; 43:450-462. [PMID: 36345083 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2022.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Facial difference (FD) is not only an individual experience; it is inherently social, reflecting interactions between social norms and individual attitudes. Often FD is stigmatized. In this paper, we employ a widely used stigma framework, namely the social stigma framework put forth by Pryor and Reeder (2011), to unpack the stigma of FD. This framework posits that there are four forms of stigma: public stigma, self-stigma, stigma by association, and structural stigma. We first discuss the social and psychological literature on FD as it pertains to these various forms of stigma. We then describe coping approaches for FD stigma. Lastly, we delineate evidence-based methods for addressing the various forms of FD stigma, such that future efforts can more effectively tackle the stigma of facial difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rasset
- Laboratoire de Psychologie de Caen Normandie (LPCN EA 7452), Université de Caen Normandie, France.
| | - Jessica Mange
- Laboratoire de Psychologie de Caen Normandie (LPCN EA 7452), Université de Caen Normandie, France
| | - Benoît Montalan
- Centre de Recherche sur les Fonctionnements et Dysfonctionnements Psychologiques (CRFDP EA 7475), Université de Rouen Normandie, France
| | - Sarah E Stutterheim
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Sarwer DB, Siminoff LA, Gardiner HM, Spitzer JC. The psychosocial burden of visible disfigurement following traumatic injury. Front Psychol 2022; 13:979574. [PMID: 36110275 PMCID: PMC9468754 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.979574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of thousands of individuals experience traumatic injuries each year. Some are mild to moderate in nature and patients experience full functional recovery and little change to their physical appearance. Others result in enduring, if not permanent, changes in physical functioning and appearance. Reconstructive plastic surgical procedures are viable treatments options for many patients who have experienced the spectrum of traumatic injuries. The goal of these procedures is to restore physical functioning and reduce the psychosocial burden of living with an appearance that may be viewed negatively by the patient or by others. Even after receipt of reconstructive procedures, many patients are left with residual disfigurement. In some, disability and disfigurement may be so profound that individuals are candidates for vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) procedures, i.e., the transplantation of a vascularized human body part containing multiple tissue types (skin, muscle, bone, nerves, and blood vessels) as an anatomical and/or structural unit. This narrative review paper summarizes the literature on the psychosocial burden experienced by those who have visible disfigurement. While many of these individuals experience stigma and discrimination, relatively few studies have employed a stigma framework to understand the psychosocial sequelea. This paper briefly addresses this framework. Last, particular focus is given to the psychosocial issues of individuals with particularly severe injuries who are potential candidates for VCA procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B. Sarwer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: David B. Sarwer,
| | - Laura A. Siminoff
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Heather M. Gardiner
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Diversity in disability: leaders' accounts on inclusive employment in the Indian context. EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/edi-05-2020-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeDespite several concerted efforts and directives, Indian organizations have a long road to travel with respect to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the workforce. Disability taking different forms often impacts organizational decisions on employment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Acknowledging the role of employers in improving their employment prospects, the purpose of this paper is to examine key factors that direct the decisions regarding targeted recruitment of persons with various types of disabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe exploratory study is based on thematic analysis of senior executives' accounts to examine the factors that direct their decisions pertaining to employment of persons with varied types of disabilities.FindingsFindings highlight organizational determinants that enable/disable employment of persons with varied types of disabilities. The organizational determinants reported are: knowledge about type of disability; work characteristics; accommodations based on type of disability; accessibility of physical infrastructure and external pressures; whereas, persons with orthopedic, vision, hearing and intellectual disabilities are represented in the employee base.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study contributes to employer perspectives on workplace disability inclusion toward understanding the nuances of organizational dynamics and human perceptions. Future studies could explore perspectives of other key stakeholders and the conditions under which organizational determinants are perceived as enabling or disabling.Originality/valueThe present study highlights how disability type influences leaders' views on recruitment of persons with disabilities, in an under-researched study context of Indian organizations.
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Bous RM, Lyamichev A, Kmentt A, Valiathan M. Bias in a blink: Shedding light on implicit attitudes toward patients with a cleft lip. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2021; 160:200-208. [PMID: 33958261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajodo.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have shown that patients with cleft lip and/or palate may be stigmatized in society. The objective of this study was to use an implicit association test to evaluate the subconscious biases of non-health care providers and orthodontists against patients with a repaired cleft lip (CL). METHODS Respondents participated in an implicit association test. Pictures of patients with CL and controls were shown to participants, along with terms representing positive and negative attributes. Participants were prompted to match pictures to the attributes. The software algorithm detected whether the participants were more likely to associate CL with positive or negative terms than controls. Demographic information was collected to measure the association between some sociodemographic factors and implicit biases. RESULTS Of 130 valid participants, 52 were orthodontists and 78 were non-health care providers. The entire sample displayed a significant implicit bias against CL (P <0.001). Overall, orthodontists tended to exhibit slightly higher levels of implicit biases against CL than non-health care providers, but the difference was not significant when controlling for sociodemographic factors (P = 0.34). Females showed significantly lower implicit biases against CL than males (P = 0.046). Spearman correlations showed that older people and those who reported a more conservative political affiliation tended to show slightly higher levels of implicit biases against CL (P <0.007). CONCLUSIONS Orthodontists and non-health care providers showed moderate but significant levels of implicit biases against patients with clefts. Males, older age groups, and patients with a more conservative political affiliation tended to exhibit slightly higher levels of biases than females, younger people, and those with a more liberal political affiliation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rany M Bous
- Craniofacial and Special Care Orthodontics, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
| | - Anthony Lyamichev
- School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ashleigh Kmentt
- School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Manish Valiathan
- Mt Sinai-Dr Edward Reiter Fellowship Program, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
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Stone A. Facial disfigurement, categorical perception, and the influence of Disgust Sensitivity. VISUAL COGNITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13506285.2020.1870184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stone
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
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Stone A, Fisher V. Changing Negative Perceptions of Individuals With Facial Disfigurement: The Effectiveness of a Brief Intervention. BASIC AND APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/01973533.2020.1768394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Jewett LR, Gumuchian ST, Pepin M, Rice DB, Kolorz F, Harrison P, Thombs BD. Factors associated with negative observer responses towards individuals with visible differences: A scoping review. Body Image 2018. [PMID: 29525737 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
People with visible differences are often confronted with negative observer responses, including stares, disgust, and avoidance. Characteristics of negative observer responses are well-documented, but less is known about associated factors. We conducted a scoping review to map what is known about factors associated with negative observer responses. Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases were searched, and 16 articles met inclusion criteria. Two general categories of factors were identified: (1) observer characteristics, including age, sex, and socioeconomic status, experiences with disfigurements, and personal beliefs or attitudes related to visible differences; and (2) evolved internal mechanisms, including threat-detection, disgust, and disease avoidance. Additionally, there was evidence that lack of anonymity influences lower reporting of observer reactions. Efforts that increase exposure to individuals with visible differences may ameliorate adverse reactions; however, due to the limited nature of evidence reviewed, further research is needed before more concrete recommendations can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Jewett
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Stephanie T Gumuchian
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mia Pepin
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Danielle B Rice
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Franziska Kolorz
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Pamela Harrison
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Brett D Thombs
- McGill University, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Stone A, Potton A. Emotional responses to disfigured faces and Disgust Sensitivity: An eye-tracking study. J Health Psychol 2017; 24:1191-1200. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105317692856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Facial disfigurement attracts attention and evokes negative emotion, but evidence is lacking for a link between these two reactions. The present experiment ( n = 29) investigated emotional and attentional reactions to photographs of people with disfigured faces. An eye-tracker was used to measure fixation on internal expressive features and on the forehead. Disfigurement to the internal expressive features invoked a stronger emotional reaction than disfigurement to the forehead. Attention in the area of disfigurement was associated with negative emotion (embarrassment, sympathy, disgust, repulsion) as well as surprise. Attention to the disfigurement, and negative emotion, was related to the trait of Disgust Sensitivity.
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Zestcott CA, Bean MG, Stone J. Evidence of negative implicit attitudes toward individuals with a tattoo near the face. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430215603459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Three studies examined if people express negative implicit attitudes toward individuals with a tattoo near the face. In Study 1, participants who completed an Implicit Association Test (IAT) expressed moderately negative implicit attitudes toward individuals with a tribal tattoo on one side of the neck. Study 2 replicated Study 1 when the tattoo was symmetrical, suggesting that negative affect, and not processing fluency, underlies the implicit negative evaluation of individuals with a tribal tattoo near the face. Study 3 showed dissociation between explicit and implicit attitudes toward individuals with a tribal tattoo near the face, and that the negative implicit evaluation was attenuated if the tattoo image was an objectively positive symbol. The implications for displaying a tattoo near the face are discussed.
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Roberts RM, Neate GM, Gierasch A. Implicit attitudes towards people with visible difference: findings from an Implicit Association Test. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2016; 22:352-358. [DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2016.1163399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Stone A, Potton A. Emotional Responses to Disfigured Faces: The Influences of Perceived Anonymity, Empathy, and Disgust Sensitivity. BASIC AND APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/01973533.2014.958491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Wilson MC, Scior K. Attitudes towards individuals with disabilities as measured by the implicit association test: a literature review. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 35:294-321. [PMID: 24316588 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Research investigating attitudes towards individuals with disabilities has largely focused on self-reported explicit attitudes. Given that factors such as social desirability may influence explicit attitudes, researchers have developed tools which instead assess less consciously controllable implicit attitudes. Considering research on implicit attitudes thus seems pertinent. A review of studies measuring implicit attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities (visual, motor or hearing) or intellectual disabilities via the Implicit Association Test (IAT; Greenwald, McGhee, & Schwartz, 1998) was carried out. Systematic searches of PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC, MEDLINE, PUBMED, Scopus and Web of Science databases identified relevant articles published between January 2000 and September 2012. Seventeen articles (reporting on 18 studies that employed the IAT) were identified. These investigated implicit attitudes towards individuals with; physical disabilities (N=13), intellectual disabilities (N=3), both physical and intellectual disabilities (N=1), and 'unspecified disabilities' (N=1). Across all studies, moderate to strong negative implicit attitudes were found and there was little to no association between explicit and implicit attitudes. Individuals' beliefs about the controllability of their future, sensitivity to the concept of disease, and contact with individuals with disabilities appear to be associated with implicit attitudes. A consistent pattern of moderate to strong negative implicit attitudes towards individuals with disabilities was evident. These studies provide a starting point, but methodological issues related to sampling and the employed IATs limit the generalizability of these results. Further research investigating implicit attitudes towards specific disability types, with a wider subject pool are necessary as well as further investigation of factors that contribute to these attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Clare Wilson
- Department of Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 7HB, UK.
| | - Katrina Scior
- Department of Clinical Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 7HB, UK.
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Masnari O, Schiestl C, Weibel L, Wuttke F, Landolt MA. How children with facial differences are perceived by non-affected children and adolescents: perceiver effects on stereotypical attitudes. Body Image 2013; 10:515-23. [PMID: 23810827 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2013.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 05/26/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Children with a facial difference are presumed to be at risk of social stigmatization. The purposes of this study were twofold: (1) to assess the effect of facial differences on social perceptions by unaffected children and adolescents; and (2) to identify perceiver characteristics that predict stereotypical attitudes toward facial differences. Participants were 344 non-affected children and adolescents, ages 8-17 years. Participants rated digitally altered images of 12 children depicted either with or without a facial difference. Results show that participants attributed less favorable characteristics to children with a facial difference than to those without. Moreover, participants reported less willingness to interact with or befriend a child with a facial difference. Significant predictors of low discriminative attitudes were older participant age and previous contact with someone with a facial difference. Our data call attention to the need for public education programs targeted at reducing negative attitudes toward facial differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Masnari
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital, Steinwiesstrasse 75, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
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