What’s in a label? The stigmatizing effect of intellectual disability by any other name.

Abstract

Some have argued that stigmatization of individuals with intellectual disabilities may be rooted in the terms used to describe the condition, others have maintained that stigma may be inherent in the condition itself, not in the label used. This study took advantage of a recent change in terminology introduced in Israel to examine differences in stigma attached to the term intellectual disability in comparison with the previous term, mental retardation. An online questionnaire, based on the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale (Findler, Vilchinsky, & Werner, 2007), was completed by 226 lay persons. Participants were presented with a questionnaire using either the term intellectual disability or mental retardation and asked to report on stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in response to a vignette. Moderate levels of stigma were found. An indirect effect was found between dangerousness and withdrawal behavior mediated by negative affect, and between low ability and withdrawal behavior mediated by negative affect. The term used was not found to be associated with stigma. It is possible that previous stigma attached to the term, mental retardation, was transferred to the new term, intellectual disability.

A nurses’ ethical commitment to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

“…Terminology and diagnoses are critical in how people with IDD are perceived and treated in society. 17 Despite being at risk for health and educational disparities, perceived stigma may discourage people from obtaining a clinical diagnosis that could “label them.” Stigma occurs when an association between the label and the diagnosis is made and people are judged according to this label. 17 Stigma has been linked to psychological distress and increased social distance.…”

“…17 Despite being at risk for health and educational disparities, perceived stigma may discourage people from obtaining a clinical diagnosis that could “label them.” Stigma occurs when an association between the label and the diagnosis is made and people are judged according to this label. 17 Stigma has been linked to psychological distress and increased social distance. 17 Stigma specifically associated with people with IDD can negatively impact well-being and quality of life in multiple aspects such as safety, education, employment, health, intimate relationships, reproductive rights, and self-determination.…”

“…17 Stigma has been linked to psychological distress and increased social distance. 17 Stigma specifically associated with people with IDD can negatively impact well-being and quality of life in multiple aspects such as safety, education, employment, health, intimate relationships, reproductive rights, and self-determination. 17 Fears of mistreatment, discrimination, or neglect may be well founded as a result of the depersonalization that labels cause.…”

“…For example, the term “mental retardation” was meant to reflect that the development of the brain had proceeded at a slower pace than what would be anticipated. 17 Over time, the term became pejorative and used beyond the original intent and meaning. The World Health Organization established international consensus to replace the term with intellectual disability.…”

Model Penyelenggaraan Pendidikan Inklusif bagi Penyandang Disabilitas Intelektual: Studi Kasus di DKI Jakarta

“…Stigma pada umumnya akan muncul bersamaan dengan stereotip, labelisasi, dan prasangka. Hal tersebut akan menyebabkan hilangnya status dan diskriminasi bagi orang atau kelompok yang menjadi korban stigma (Link, Bruce G;Phelan, 2001;S. Werner & Abergel, 2017).…”