College Students’ Social Perceptions Toward Individuals With Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to describe the social perceptions of American college students toward individuals with intellectual disability (ID), identify factors that influence social perception, and determine if level of functioning alters one’s perception. The sample was comprised of 186 American college students. The participants completed the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID). The ATTID measures five factors—discomfort toward ID, knowledge of capacity and rights, interaction with individuals with ID, sensibility/tenderness, and knowledge of causes. The students’ overall social perception toward ID was primarily positive for all factors except for sensibility/tenderness. More positive social perception was found among students with greater knowledge of ID and more frequent and more positive interactions with individuals with ID. In addition, social perception was significantly more negative for lower functioning than higher functioning individuals with ID. This study helped identify factors that need more attention in awareness campaigns and educational programs.