Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore extensity (regarding various life domains in which it appears) and intensity of experienced and anticipated discrimination of persons with physical disabilities; (2) to investigate how experienced and anticipated discrimination relate to each other; (3) to explore relations between experienced and anticipated discrimination and certain socio demographic variables (gender, marriage, residence, family type, employment and age). The levels of experienced and anticipated stigmatization were evaluated by Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC – 12). The results showed that persons with physical disability experience discrimination in family life (63. 3%), (starting a family (65. 5%), marriage (45. 4%), role as a parent (45. 3%), in the experience of being avoided or shunned (42. 1%), in relation to professional staff (40. 3%), etc. They anticipate discrimination in making close relationships (46. 3%), in employment (30. 2%) and in education (24. 3%). Multiple regression analysis showed that experienced discrimination is a predictor of anticipated discrimination. Discrimination is more anticipated by unmarried participants, younger, participants living in extended families and by participants not living in their own apartments. It is necessary to design an anti-stigma campaign, which will lead to the reduction of experienced and anticipated discrimination. Keywords: stigma, experienced discrimination, anticipated discrimination, persons with physical disability.
Highlights
The World Health Organization defines physical disability as “any impairment which limits the function of limbs or fine or gross motor ability” (WHO, 2011)
Discrimination intensity, showing the degree of discrimination presence in life, regardless of life domain. This score was calculated as a mean of all questions, for experienced discrimination and for anticipated discrimination
These results indicate that experienced discrimination can be considered as one of possible sources of anticipated discrimination
Summary
The World Health Organization defines physical disability as “any impairment which limits the function of limbs or fine or gross motor ability” (WHO, 2011). It can be the result of congenital birth issues, accidental injury, or illness. Goffman (1963) observed physical disability to be a discrediting social identity which influences the sense of personal value. He suggests that it is not the experience of actual limitations that pose the greatest challenge to persons with physical disabilities but rather perceptions of deviance and being labeled as a person with a disability (Goffman, 1963). Research of stigmatization was largely conducted in the field of mental illness, but only recently in the field of physical disabilities
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