Examining the Connection between Exposure to People with Physical Disabilities and Staring Behaviour among Able-bodied Adults

Abstract

Previous work suggests that interacting with people with disabilities is an effective strategy for improving attitudes and behaviours towards this stigmatized group. However, the optimal context for such interactions is unknown. Studies have found that portraying an individual with a disability as physically active may improve how able-bodied individuals perceive him/her. This study applies the stereotype content model to evaluate whether experience interacting with people with physical disabilities in a physical activity setting is a more effective strategy for mitigating negative behavioural reactions (staring) towards this population than interaction in a non-physical activity setting, or no interaction at all. The study uses eye tracking to evaluate staring behaviours in response to four image types: disabled/active, disabled/inactive, able-bodied/active, and able-bodied/inactive. Thus, this research will also examine interaction effects between experience level and image type. This study will provide evidence as to whether interacting with individuals with physical disability in a physical activity setting should be targeted as a real-word intervention for improving the way in which people with physical disabilities are treated.