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Personality traits predict attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disability
Zachary M Himmelberger1,2, Gayle G Faught2, Andrew S Tungate2
1Behavioral Sciences Division, Maryville College, Maryville, TN, USA.
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities
|October 27, 2023
Summary
Positive attitudes towards individuals with intellectual disability (ID) are crucial for social inclusion. Quality of contact significantly predicts these attitudes, with personality traits like openness and agreeableness also playing a role.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Inclusion Studies
Background:
- Understanding attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is key for promoting social inclusion.
- Previous research highlights various factors influencing these attitudes, necessitating a comprehensive model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and test a unified model of attitudes toward individuals with ID.
- To examine the predictive roles of personality traits, contact quality/quantity, perceived knowledge, social desirability, and demographics.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 221 US undergraduate students participated.
- Data collected via surveys including attitude measures, personality inventories, and contact/knowledge assessments.
Main Results:
- Quality of contact was the strongest predictor of positive attitudes.
- Openness to experience and agreeableness were significant predictors, even when controlling for other factors.
- Quality of contact mediated the relationship between personality traits (openness, agreeableness) and attitudes.
Conclusions:
- Personality factors influence attitudes toward individuals with ID.
- The quality of social contact is paramount in shaping these attitudes.
- Findings underscore the importance of fostering high-quality interactions for enhancing social inclusion.
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