The Effects of Brief Interventions on Children's Playmate Preferences for a Child Sitting in a Wheelchair

Abstract

More knowledge is needed about interventions that facilitate the acceptance of children with chronic conditions, like physical disabilities. In this study, we examined the impact of scripts, presenting either positive or explanatory information, on young children's attitudes about a line drawing of either a typical child or one in a wheelchair. Our findings indicated that gender and age were significantly related to children's perceptions. Girls provided higher playmate preference ratings for both the typical child and the one sitting in a wheelchair than boys, and older children (ages 6 years, 4 months to 9 years) reported higher ratings than younger children. Physical status of the child in the line drawing did not impact children's opinions. It may be that young children do not hold negative attitudes toward peers who are wheelchair-bound. Because no stigma was attached to the child in either condition, type of information did not influence children's attitudes. Further research will provide information about what types of interventions improve the acceptance of young children with chronic conditions.