An Investigation of Children's Attitudes Towards Physically Disabled Peers

Preschoolers show less trust in physically disabled or obese informants

“…Moreover, preschoolers are biased to view physically disabled others as less competent than physically abled counterparts ( Diamond and Hestenes, 1996 ). However, some research shows that negative attitudes toward physically disabled others do not persist over the childhood years, and that children may develop more positive attitudes toward these individuals in late childhood ( Spillers, 1982 ). Nevertheless, it has been shown that between the ages of 7 and 11 years, children’s positive attitudes toward the physically disabled may decline and become negative when considering personal involvement in activities with these individuals ( Magiati et al, 2002 ).…”

Children's trust in the testimony of physically disabled or obese individuals

“…Although the perceived trustworthiness of physically disabled and obese individuals has not been examined, social evaluation literature has provided insight into how they are commonly perceived by children. The current literature provides mixed findings on children's attitudes towards people with different types of disabilities (Dyson, 2005;Nowicki & Sandieson, 2002;Spillers, 1982). Some research indicates that during the preschool years, children begin to develop negative reactions to those that appear physically different from themselves (Favazza & Odom, 1997).…”

“…Some research indicates that during the preschool years, children begin to develop negative reactions to those that appear physically different from themselves (Favazza & Odom, 1997). However, some researchers claim that these negative attitudes do not persist and attitudes toward disabled children tend to become more positive over the childhood years (Spillers, 1982), which could be due to attitudes aligning with the society's and parental values (Richardson, 1970). Although attitudes may be positive, Magiati, Dockrell and Logotheti (2002) found that 7-to 11-year-old children's positivity toward the physically disabled declined when considering personal involvement in activities with them.…”

“…The literature examined above shows that children's perception of the physically disabled may be both positive and negative (Dyson, 2005;Nowicki & Sandieson, 2002;Spillers, 1982).…”

“…Even though the trustworthiness of physically disabled and obese individuals has not been studied, social evaluation literature has provided insight into how they are commonly perceived by children. Children's early perceptions and attitudes toward physically disabled individuals have been found to be mixed (Dyson, 2005;Nowicki & Sandieson, 2002;Spillers, 1982), and attitudes toward obese individuals have been negative (Cramer & Steinwert, 1998;Kraig & Keel, 2001;Wei & Di Santo, 2011;Tiggeman & Anesbury, 2000;Tillman, Kehle, Bray, Chafouleas, & Grigerick, 2007;Turnbull, Heaslip, & Mcleod, 2000).…”