Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Attitudes of Different Age Groups Toward People With Intellectual Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic
1Department of Pedagogy, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
Insights
COVID-19 heightened risks for individuals with disabilities, impacting their health and rights. This study found that younger and older adults showed more positive attitudes toward people with intellectual disability (ID) than middle-aged adults.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Public Health
- Disability Studies
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant risks to individuals with disabilities and severe medical conditions.
- These risks included direct health threats from the virus, social exclusion, and the negation of needs and rights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate attitudes across different age groups towards individuals with intellectual disability (ID).
- To understand how the pandemic context influences these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 223 participants aged 19-85 during May 2020-January 2021.
- Utilized the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Towards Persons With Disabilities and a custom questionnaire on pandemic-related attitudes.
- Data analyzed using SPSS 24 with ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Overall attitudes towards people with ID were only slightly supportive.
- Significant differences in attitudes were observed across age groups.
- Youngest and oldest participants exhibited the most positive attitudes, while adults aged 35-60 showed the most negative attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Positive attitudes towards people with ID and recognition of their needs are crucial, especially during the ongoing pandemic.
- Targeted awareness campaigns may be necessary to foster greater inclusivity and support for individuals with ID.
Abstract:
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been particularly risky for people with disabilities and severe medical conditions, not only because the virus may be a direct threat to their physical health but also because of social exclusion and negating their needs and rights. Objective: This study aimed to assess the attitudes of people from different age groups towards people with intellectual disability (ID). Methods: The study included 223 people (19-85 years old) and was conducted in May 2020-January 2021. Data was collected using the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale Towards Persons With Disabilities and a self-designed Questionnaire regarding the attitudes towards people with ID during the pandemic. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 24 (ANOVA). Results: The results of the study showed that the general attitudes were only slightly supportive and differed among people of different age groups: the youngest and the oldest generation expressed the most positive attitudes while the adults (35-60 y.o.) expressed the most negative ones. Conclusions: As the pandemic is spreading rapidly with no definitive solution, awareness to create more positive attitudes towards people with ID and recognizing their needs is essential.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Intellectual Disability
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
01:54Attitudes
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood