Public stigmatisation of people with intellectual disabilities: a mixed-method population survey into stereotypes and their relationship with familiarity and discrimination

Purpose: Stigmatisation can negatively affect opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in society. Stereotyping, a first step in the process of stigmatisation, has been insufficiently explored for people with intellectual disabilities. This study examined the general public's set of stereotypes that is saliently attributed to people with intellectual disabilities as well as the relationship of these stereotypes with discriminatory intentions and familiarity. Materials and methods: A mixed-method cross-sectional survey within a representative sample of the Dutch population (n = 892) was used. Stereotypes were analysed with factor analysis of a trait-rating scale, and qualitative analysis of an open-ended question. The relationship between stereotypes and discrimination as well as familiarity with people with intellectual disabilities was explored through multivariate analyses. Results and conclusions: Four stereotype-factors appeared: friendly, in need of help, unintelligent, and nuisance. Stereotypes in the nuisance factor seemed unimportant due to their infrequent report in the open-ended question. Friendly, in need of help, unintelligent were found to be salient stereotypes of people with intellectual disabilities due to their frequent report. The stereotypes did not relate to high levels of explicit discrimination. Yet due to the both positive and negative valence of the stereotypes, subtle forms of discrimination may be expected such as limited opportunities for choice and self-determination. This may affect opportunities for rehabilitation and might be challenged by protest-components within anti-stigma efforts.

Automated summary

This study examined stereotypes attributed to people with intellectual disabilities by the general public, revealing that friendliness, need for help, and unintelligent are salient stereotypes. Although these stereotypes did not lead to high levels of explicit discrimination, they may result in subtle forms of discrimination such as limited opportunities for choice and self-determination.