Attitude Toward Persons with Physical-Motor Disability

Attitudes toward persons with physical-motor disability are less negative as compared to other disabilities. It has been conclude by a number of researches that physical disability receives the least amount of social stigma (Miller et al, 2009). This may due to the fact that people have more favorable attitudes toward visible rather than unobservable disability. This disability is evident, thus people may have a better understanding about it (Barr and Brachitta, 2008). For instance, Albdulwahab and Salah (2003) reported positive attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities among Saudi Arabian health professionals. Barr and Brachitta (2008) and Choi and Lam (2001) noted most positive attitudes towards individuals with physical disabilities and favor this disability as compared to other disabilities. Marini et al (2011) also discussed that 66% of their respondents would have no problem dating or even marrying a person with physical disability.

On the contrary, Hodge and Jansna (2000) reported no favorable preferences toward persons with physical disabilities among teachers. Idrecs (2012) as well described that 8 out of 11 respondents who have physical disability experienced discrimination, were underestimated, and were not preferred for any activity in school from their classmates and teachers.  

In terms of sex, females were less negative than males on their attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities (Hodge and Jansna, 2000; Raic and Leutar, 2008; Marini et al, 2011). Getachew (2011) however reported more positive attitudes among males than on females. On the other hand, no significant differences between both sexes were reported by Albdulwahab and Salah (2003) and Choi and Lam (2001).

Younger people have less positive attitudes toward persons with disabilities (Raic and Leutar, 2008). Burkhardt and Haney (2012) on the other hand found that older adults tended to have negative attitudes towards persons with physical disabilities.

Educational level seems insignificant on attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities. No significant difference was found among the respondents’ attitudes in terms of educational level (Albdulwahab and Salah, 2003; Getachew, 2011). In contrary, Choi and Lam (2001) suggest that higher education influences attitudes towards persons with physical disabilities.

Contact is consistently related to positive attitudes specifically toward persons with physical disabilities. It decreases the fear of the unknown, minimizes awkwardness, social anxiety and/or uncertainty, and erases stereotypical misconceptions (Albdulwahab and Salah, 2003; Choi and Lam, 2001; Marini et al, 2011). Getachew (2011) however indicated that contact is not significant on the attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities. 

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