Closer relationships in nondisabled-disabled encounters

Includes bibliographical references (pages 88-92)A discussion about the problem that there is a social-psychological distance between the nondisabled and persons with physical disabilities; and that this distance perpetuates an unwillingness on the part of nondisabled people to enter into closer social, personal and intimate relationships with persons who have such disabilities was undertaken. A review of the theoretical literature revealed that the nondisabled often discriminate and have a prejudice against, and stereotype and stigmatize people with physical disabilities as being ???handicapped??? and/or ???deviant??? members of society--and are therefore often seen as ???outsiders.??? Moreover, a review of the methodological literature indicates that close social, personal and intimate contacts are generally not attempted and that reactions toward people with physical disabilities is often ambivalent, or at best, slightly favorable. A survey was initiated to determine to what degree nondisabled persons--especially those entering the helping professions, were willing to accept close relationships with people having physical disabilities without feeling nervous or uneasy: and if the amount of previous contact affects their willingness to enter into such relationships. (See more in text.