Profiles of Peer-Rejected Individuals: Their Attitudes Toward the Intellectual Disability Population and Resilience as Mediator

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Sociology of Education Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Public perceptions toward people with intellectual disability (ID) tend to be negative, impacting their quality of life. Therefore, understanding factors associated with these attitudes is crucial. This study focuses on the predictive role of school-age peer rejection and contemporaneous familial support on attitudes toward people with ID, and whether resilience can mediate this association. The research sample comprised 1,063 adults who experienced peer rejection at school. Cluster analysis identified two profiles of peer-rejected individuals differing in familial support levels. Those with poor familial support had more negative attitudes, and resilience significantly mediated this effect. These findings contribute to the emerging literature on the long-term effects of peer rejection and poor resiliency resources on negative attitudes toward out-groups.

Author

• Rotem Maor, David Yellin College of Education