Exploring Media Portrayals of Individuals With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Area of Science:

• Media Studies
• Disability Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Media significantly influences public perception and community attitudes towards marginalized groups.
• Previous research indicates a need to examine how intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are represented in popular media.
• Understanding media portrayals is crucial for fostering inclusive societal views of individuals with IDD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the depiction of characters with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in television shows and movies.
• To code these characters based on attributes, IDD salience, treatment by others, and quality of life.
• To discuss the implications of these portrayals on community attitudes.

Main Methods:

• Content analysis of characters with IDD across seven television shows and three movies.
• Coding categories included character attributes (demographic, disability-related, personality), IDD salience, treatment by others, and quality of life.
• Systematic coding was applied to ensure consistent data collection.

Main Results:

• The majority of characters with IDD were depicted as White and male, often portraying visible disabilities.
• Characters with IDD experienced bullying but were generally shown with robust support systems and a good quality of life.
• Specific themes related to disability representation were identified.

Conclusions:

• Media portrayals of individuals with IDD present a mixed narrative, showing vulnerability alongside positive social integration.
• The findings have implications for media creators aiming to represent IDD accurately and ethically.
• Methodological limitations were noted, suggesting areas for future research in media representation studies.