Relazioni fra pari: Quando intrattenere rapporti positivi con un bambino in sedia a rotelle conduce ad emarginazione (Peer relations: When being on good terms with a wheel-chair child conduces to social exclusion)

De Amicis, L. and Castelli, L. (2004) Relazioni fra pari: Quando intrattenere rapporti positivi con un bambino in sedia a rotelle conduce ad emarginazione (Peer relations: When being on good terms with a wheel-chair child conduces to social exclusion). Età Evolutiva, 79, pp. 5-19.

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Abstract

The present study, using a structured interview, investigates whether very young children (N = 81,4-7 years old) show any preference for a non-disabled child with respect to a wheelchair bound child (direct preference). In addition, we focused on how a non-disabled child is perceived when he entertains positive relations with a disabled child (indirect preference). Finally, the amount of previous contact with wheelchair bound persons was measured. Results demonstrate high levels of direct preference toward non-disabled children. As for the indirect preference, it is shown that having positive relations with disabled children leads to rejection, negative evaluations and lower levels of perceived similarity. Contact did not affect direct preference, but was weakly related to the indirect preference: The higher the contact with wheel-chair bound persons the better the perception of someone playing with a disabled. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates how discrimination toward disabled children is pervasive and implies the social rejection of non-disabled children who get positively in contact with them. Results will be focused on how these investigated processes may impact on prejudice maintenance and reduction and implications for future research are discussed.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:De Amicis, Dr Leyla
Authors: De Amicis, L., and Castelli, L.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Creativity Culture and Faith
Journal Name:Età Evolutiva
Publisher:Giunti-Barbèra
ISSN:0392-0658
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