Familiarity with people with intellectual disabilities, stigma, and the mediating role of emotions among the Dutch general public.

Abstract

Stigma can hamper full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in society. For other minority groups, higher levels of familiarity with these groups have been shown to relate to lower levels of stigma, whereby emotions can play a mediating role. However, concerning people with intellectual disabilities, there is limited knowledge regarding the general public's levels of familiarity, its relationship with stigma, and the role of emotions in this relationship. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a nationally representative sample of the Dutch population (n ϭ 892). The relationship between levels of familiarity and different measures of stigma representing cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects of stigma (i.e., attributions, emotions, discrimination) was examined. Emotions (fear, anger, and sympathy) were studied as a mediator in the relationship between familiarity and discrimination (i.e., social distance, and intention to help). Participants who reported no familiarity in real life with people with intellectual disabilities (30.6% of the population sample) demonstrated higher levels of stigma (attributions, emotions, discrimination) than participants who reported any form of real-life familiarity (69.4% of the sample). Fear was found to be the most important mediator of the relationship between familiarity and discrimination. The findings stress the continuing importance to advocate for people with intellectual disabilities to be recognized and become known within society. This increased familiarity might reduce stigma and increase positive experiences of inclusion. Support workers may have a vital role in this process. The importance of fear in the relationship between familiarity and discrimination may inform future research and antistigma interventions.

The General Public’s Perceptions of How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted the Elderly and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

“…The familiarity score was the rank score of the most intimate situation indicated by the respondent. In accordance with Pelleboer-Gunnink et al [ 31 ], the data was merged into four categories: (1) “no familiarity in real life” (rank item 1–4; e.g., watching a documentary), (2) “familiarity in passing by” (rank item 5; observing on a frequent basis), (3) “familiarity at work” (rank item 6–8; e.g., providing treatment), and (4) “familiarity in their private life” (rank item 9–12; e.g., friend of the family).…”

“…The complete survey also included questions related to stereotypes and stigma (the results have been published previously; see Dekker et al). At the beginning of the online survey, a brief definition of ‘elderly’ was provided (i.e., being 70 years of age or older); in line with previous studies within the general public, a definition of intellectual disabilities was not provided [ 31 ].…”

“…The level of familiarity with individuals with intellectual disabilities was assessed by using the Level of Contact Report [ 37 ]. In line with previous research [ 31 ], items were adapted to refer to intellectual disabilities. Respondents were asked to check all of the situations that they had experienced (e.g., “I have worked with a person who had an intellectual disability at my place of employment”).…”

“…Moreover, the general public’s perceptions of the impact on the elderly and people with intellectual disabilities may also be influenced by the degree of familiarity with these groups. Previous research has demonstrated that higher levels of familiarity is related to more positive attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities [ 31 ]. Similarly, research has indicated that a higher quality of contact with the elderly is related to more positive attitudes being shown toward them [ 32 ].…”

Dealing with disability: challenges in Dutch health care of parents with a non-Western migration background and a child with a developmental disability

“…Additionally, Dutch television presents programs on people with various kinds of disabilities and developmental delays, in which these are explained and, to a certain extent, normalized. This is important, as various studies indicate that familiarity with people with a disability reduces stigmatization [30,31].…”