Breaking the Mold: Disability Stereotyping is Shaped by Stigma Characteristics

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate disability stereotypes as a key aspect of the stigmatisation by considering two of its features, i.e., its visibility, centrally and its controllability, more peripherally. The literature suggests that people with invisible disabilities face more social difficulties than those with visible disabilities. Accordingly, we hypothesised more negative stereotypes towards invisible disabilities. This hypothesis was tested using between- (pilot study) and within-subject (Studies 1a and 1b) designs. Stereotypes associated with disabilities were also measured according to their onset controllability (Study 2). Our results support the hypothesis that stereotypes associated with disabilities vary according to visibility. Specifically, people with invisible disabilities are perceived to be less warm but more competent than those with visible disabilities. These findings highlight the importance of considering the features of a disability when studying stereotypes and stigmatization.