Factors Influencing the Attitudes of Elementary School Children Toward People With Disabilities

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Children's Social and Emotional Adjustment

Abstract

This study examined factors influencing the attitudes of elementary school children toward people with disabilities. Despite the legislative enactment and societal support for inclusion, children with disabilities generally are socially excluded. Central to social inclusion are the attitudes that children hold toward people with disabilities. For the purpose of promoting social inclusion, it is important to understand those factors that influence children’s attitudes toward people with disabilities. A sample of 2599 elementary children in Canada was administered 2 scales measuring, respectively, empathy and attitudes towards people with disabilities. The results found that the variables related to positive attitudes were: age (i.e., being older), gender (i.e., being female), and, in particular, contact and empathy. Future programs and research are recommended.

Author

• Lily L. Dyson, Simon Fraser University