Social and interpersonal reactions to depression and disability.

The social psychology of disability.

“…Other research points to several interpersonal behaviors that can ameliorate negative social reactions to disability and modify accompanying attitudes. People with disabilities can establish positive social interactions by casually explaining a disability (Hastorf, Wildfogel, & Cassman, 1979), being assertive when requesting assistance (Mills, Belgrave, & Boyer, 1984), and displaying adaptive emotional adjustment to a disability (Elliott & Frank, 1990). Each strategy promotes social encounters; in turn, people without disabilities may come to evaluate people with disabilities (and perhaps disability generally) in more positive ways (for broader discussion of theories of intergroup contact, see Pettigrew, 1998).…”

Limb amputation.

“…In effect, this study seemed to suggest that it was adaptive to be less attuned to the negative biases that others might hold, regardless of whether these biases were taken personally. An alternative explanation is that these respondents accurately perceived greater bias from others because individuals with disabilities who have depression elicit stronger negative stereotypes and reactions from nondisabled persons (Elliott & Frank, 1990). If this is the case, then it is important for psychologists and other professionals to help these individuals differentiate between the negative responses they are getting in relation to their mood from those they are getting in response to their amputation.…”

Social psychological issues in disability.

“…Other research efforts point to several interpersonal behaviors that can ameliorate negative social reactions to disability and modify accompanying attitudes. People with disabilities can establish positive social interactions by casually explaining a disability (Hastorf, Wildfogel, & Cassman, 1979), being assertive when requesting assistance (Mills, Belgrave, & Boyer, 1984), expressing interest in other people and common topics (Belgrave, 1984), or displaying adaptive emotional adjustment to a disability (Elliott & Frank, 1990). Each strategy promotes social acceptance of disability by reducing discomfort in real or potential social encounters; in turn, people without disabilities may come to evaluate people with disabilities (and perhaps disability generally) in more positive ways.…”