Attitudes of Young Adolescents toward their Peers with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

This study explores the attitudes of young adolescents towards their peers with intellectual disabilities in Prague, Czech Republic. A total of 253 young adolescents participated in this study, with 134 male and 119 female in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. The attitudes of the young adolescents were surveyed by making use of the attitude questionnaire designed by the researcher. The roles of previous contact, gender and grade were examined. Results indicated that young adolescents were generally positive toward their peers with intellectual disabilities. Young adolescents who had previous contact with people with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those who did not. Female were more positive than male. 9th graders who participated were not more positive than those in 7th graders. Possibilities and suggestions for future researches and education were suggested. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)

This study explores the attitudes of young adolescents towards their peers with intellectual disabilities in Prague, Czech Republic. A total of 253 young adolescents participated in this study, with 134 male and 119 female in 7th, 8th, and 9th grade. The attitudes of the young adolescents were surveyed by making use of the attitude questionnaire designed by the researcher. The roles of previous contact, gender and grade were examined. Results indicated that young adolescents were generally positive toward their peers with intellectual disabilities. Young adolescents who had previous contact with people with intellectual disabilities are more positive than those who did not. Female were more positive than male. 9th graders who participated were not more positive than those in 7th graders. Possibilities and suggestions for future researches and education were suggested. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)