Does a counter-stereotypical individual with a disability trigger backlash? Investigating the moderating effects of social dominance orientation and symbolic ableism / ¿Un individuo con discapacidad contra-estereotipado genera una reacción negativa? Investigación de los efectos moderadores de la orientación al dominio social y el capacitismo simbólico

Abstract

We examined whether presenting a counter-stereotypical individual with a disability triggers backlash, defined as a decrease in affirmative attitudes towards people with disabilities. We also investigated whether this effect is moderated by social dominance orientation (SDO) and symbolic ableism — a contemporary form of prejudice characterized by two components: (1) individualism; and (2) lack of recognition. Participants (N = 256) completed SDO and symbolic ableism scales prior to viewing either a stereotypical or counter-stereotypical portrayal of a person with a disability. Participants then completed items assessing affirmative attitudes towards people with disabilities, including supportive beliefs and evaluations of their abilities. Results indicated that presentation of a counter-stereotypical portrayal did not elicit backlash. Instead, participants showed significantly higher affirmative attitudes in the counter-stereotypical condition compared to the stereotypical condition. No moderating effects of SDO or lack of recognition were observed. However, participants high in individualism showed more affirmative attitudes when presented with a counter-stereotypical image. The implications of these findings were discussed in the context of increasing the social participation of people with disabilities.