Stigma perception: social comparison among mentally retarded persons.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Disability Studies

Background:

• The "group concept problem" involves negative perceptions of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Previous research by Gibbons (1981) established the existence of this phenomenon.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if the group concept problem includes perceptions of social desirability (e.g., dating appeal).
• To determine if this problem occurs in community settings.
• To examine if the group concept problem differs by sex.

Main Methods:

• Two studies were conducted to assess perceptions among individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Data were collected from both community-based and institutionalized populations.
• Analyses examined social desirability, setting, and sex as factors.

Main Results:

• The group concept problem was confirmed to include social desirability perceptions.
• The problem was evident in community settings and varied by sex.
• Community women exhibited the most severe effects of the group concept problem.
• Self-derogation related to social success was observed in both community and institutionalized individuals.

Conclusions:

• Negative peer perceptions interfere with social behavior and adjustment for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• The findings highlight the need for interventions addressing social perception and self-esteem in this population.
• Sex and living environment are critical factors influencing the severity of the group concept problem.