Abstract
If the much needed radical change in our attitude to disability is to come about then we must realize that disability is about rights not charity and empowerment not pity. Physical disability is a category of disability that is obvious to all and as such attracts all forms of attitude from the public. Myth stigmatization, teasing, name calling, prejudices and discrimination are common forms of negative attitude exhibited towards persons with disabilities and they affect them negatively. This study therefore revealed the effect of the aforementioned attitude types on the personality and psychological wellbeing of persons with physical disabilities in the Buea municipality. Using a purposive sampling technique, 10 of them were sampled and with the help of a mixed form of questionnaire, data was collected which was analyzed using frequency and percentages. The study revealed that, all aforementioned negative attitudes had impacted negatively on the personality and psychological well-being of persons with physical disabilities. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, sensitization on the condition of physical disability is the main strategy to eradicate peers discriminatory and negative attitudes towards persons with physical disabilities. Keywords: Peer attitude, Self-fulfilling beliefs, Physical Disability, Stigmatization
Highlights
Attitudes are a complex collection of beliefs, feelings, values and dispositions which characterize the way we think or feel about certain people or situations
The findings revealed that myths and stigmatization affects the personality and well-being of persons with physical disabilities
The findings revealed that teasing and name calling affects negatively the personality and well-being of persons with physical disabilities
Summary
Attitudes are a complex collection of beliefs, feelings, values and dispositions which characterize the way we think or feel about certain people or situations. People‟s attitudes are a product of life experiences, including the relationships they build with the people around them. A person‟s attitudes towards one person with disability might be shaped by their personal experience of knowing another person with disability. These attitudes often affect the way people behave in particular situations or towards other people. We do tend to see patterns in people‟s attitudes as people with shared characteristics or common social experiences may well develop similar attitudes towards people with disabilities or disability in general
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