Abstract
Reviewed by: Sara Bender and Karlie Hill, Department of Psychology, Central Washington University, USA
As the 2013 recipient of the Charles L. Brewer Distinguished Teaching of Psychology Award, Dr. Dana Dunn has long-been established as a superior educator, researcher, and writer. His newest book, The Social Psychology of Disability, is further evidence of his gifts as an educator, scholar, and social advocate.
Dr. Dunn opens the text by providing the reader with an operational definition of the term ‘disability’ and demonstrates to the reader how disability affects all people within society, whether it is directly or indirectly. In an effort to highlight the importance of the social psychology of disability, Dunn discusses how the marriage of one’s beliefs and environment combine to produce his or her behaviors. As such, it is incumbent upon all members of society to be aware of the environment they create as well as the attitudes they project as, collectively, these circumstances will affect others’ behaviors. Chapter 1 closes by underscoring the fact that the combined elimination of attitudinal, social, and psychological barriers will not only promote the well-being of those living with disabilities but such efforts are also a matter of civil rights. This call to social justice sets the tone for the remainder of the text in which the author calls upon readers to reconsider their understanding of the concept of disability and to contemplate what direct actions they may take to advance the social psychology of disability in the future.
Chapters 2 and 3 of the text explain that most people tend to automatically categorize others as those whom are either similar or dissimilar to themselves. While not necessarily ill-intended, this social bias typically leads to the stigmatization of disability and stereotypes regarding those with a disability. Throughout Chapter 3, Dunn provides several detailed examples of stereotypic responses that commonly occur when one is confronted with another individual living with a disability. He suggests that when an individual mourns what he or she perceives the other person cannot do, or considers how he or she might act if faced with the given disability, that person typically develops excessive sympathy for the other individual or disproportionate admiration for him or her. Additionally, the individual tries to make sense of the other person’s circumstances in an effort to reduce his or her own psychological tension regarding the idea that such a similar fate may occur in his or her own life. In situations in which the person with a disability is known to the individual, he or she may become overly protective of that person’s welfare. Similarly, people may come to expect that another’s capabilities are limited secondary to their own understanding of the other person’s present disability. All of these assumptions often culminate in additional stereotyping and prejudicial behaviors. Even more, when a person does not fully understand another person’s disability, Dunn asserts, he or she may become ambivalent towards it.
Ambivalence, by default, breeds further disability stigma. In the fourth chapter of his book, Dunn suggests that one effective method to counteract ambivalence is to directly expose people to disability. By promoting intergroup contact between people with and without disabilities, those without disabilities become less afraid of the disability itself and more competent regarding the impact of disability. Dunn introduces a number of direct and indirect methods to assess attitudes toward disability, and suggests that by providing people with insight into their own automatic thought processes, those individuals may work to regulate their implicit biases.
Of course the individual most affected by a disability is the one who has it. Dunn explains that not all stigma related to disability may be attributed to those without disabilities. On the contrary, those with disabilities must negotiate their circumstances as well. One of the assumptions surrounding disability is that its presence automatically impacts one’s subsequent happiness. Dunn presents a wide variety of research within Chapter 5 that suggests that happiness is independent of the presence or absence of a disability. Rather, it seems that one’s ability to cope by engaging in a number of social-cognitive activities, including reality negotiation, is what actually affects one’s life satisfaction.
Chapter 6 introduces the concept of Disability Identity. This is the idea that those living with a disability benefit from creating and maintaining a narrative regarding their experiences. By acknowledging the foundational impact that living with a disability may have on their lives, individuals are able to gain a sense of communal attachment with others living in similar circumstances, while simultaneously promoting a sense of self-worth, pride, and personal meaning. Unfortunately, acknowledging what an integral thread one’s disability may have in the fabric of his or her own life may also emphasize the marginalization and subsequent discrimination the individual feels secondary to his or her circumstances. A disability identity is important beyond the individual level, too. Dunn suggests that a societal narrative regarding the nature of disability is important, and is likely imperative in the process of reducing disability stigma and promoting a more accurate understanding of the social experiences of disability. He suggests that those living with disabilities should be actively engaged in composing this narrative.
Chapter 7 discusses how a person’s view of his or her circumstances may impact his or her experienced level of happiness. Within this discussion, the impact of resilience on happiness is emphasized. Dunn explores how one’s propensity to maintain hope, seek out connection, and accept one’s wellness may impact subsequent satisfaction. He introduces a body of research to the reader that outlines the protective and risk factors likely to affect resiliency. Finally, he suggests that a life of satisfaction, or ‘the good life’ as he refers to it, is quite possible in the presence of disability, and is often nurtured by positive connections to other people, positive personal qualities, as well as self-regulation qualities.
The final chapter of Dunn’s book addresses the ecology of disability. Its emphasis is to re-direct the reader to considering disability as a construct that is based on the person in the context of an environment. Essentially, Dunn calls upon the reader to realize and understand that disability is not one person’s challenge to be dealt with, but rather is an aspect of society that must be recognized and accommodated. Dunn asserts that a lack of familiarity with disability does not relieve anyone of the responsibility for addressing it. Rather, we are all responsible for providing each other with social support to aid others in adjusting to the onset and outcomes of disability. Perhaps one of the most effective strategies for promoting an understanding of disability and consequently reducing disability stigma, according to Dunn, is providing those with disabilities a voice in terms of discussing what is already known regarding disability and that which is still needed. Those living without disability should actively seek to collaborate with those who do have disabilities to identify on-going needs, research, and desires.
Overall, this is an excellent text. Dr. Dunn introduces a complex subject with great social impact in a manner that is accessible to all readers. With the inclusion of open-ended questions at the conclusion of each chapter, Dunn challenges the reader to further consider the materials provided throughout the book. This allows the reader the space to consider how the social psychology of disability exists within his or her own life, and how he or she contributes to the environment affecting persons with disabilities. The text is not only an informative introduction to the social psychology of disability, but also serves as a call into action for its readers.