Perceptions of Disability as Related to Medical and Social Factors

This study addressed self‐perception of disability and the belief that others perceive one to have a disability. Factors from the medical and social models of disability were tested to determine if social factors still play a role in such perceptions when controlling for medical factors. Cross‐secti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied social psychology 2007-01, Vol.37 (1), p.1-13
Main Authors: LoBianco, Anthony F., Sheppard-Jones, Kathy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Perceptions
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Summary:This study addressed self‐perception of disability and the belief that others perceive one to have a disability. Factors from the medical and social models of disability were tested to determine if social factors still play a role in such perceptions when controlling for medical factors. Cross‐sectional data from the 1994–1995 National Health Interview Study on Disability (NHIS‐D) provided a stratified random sample of 25,805 noninstitutionalized adults. Logistic regression models were used to demonstrate that even controlling for medical factors (e.g., particular disabling conditions and restrictions in activities of daily living), social and vocational factors were significant predictors of disability perception. Ramifications for the theoretical study of disability, social psychology, and disability policy are discussed.
ISSN:0021-9029
1559-1816
DOI:10.1111/j.0021-9029.2007.00143.x