Cultural stereotypes and personal beliefs about individuals with dwarfism

J Soc Psychol. 2013 Jan-Feb;153(1):80-97. doi: 10.1080/00224545.2012.711379.

Abstract

Three studies assessed the content of cultural stereotypes and personal beliefs regarding individuals with dwarfism among "average height" (i.e., non-dwarf) individuals. In Studies 1 and 2, undergraduates from three separate institutions selected adjectives to reflect traits constituting both the cultural stereotype about dwarves and their own personal beliefs about dwarves (cf. Devine & Elliot, 1995). The most commonly endorsed traits for the cultural stereotype tended to be negative (e.g., weird, incapable, childlike); the most commonly endorsed traits for personal beliefs were largely positive (e.g., capable, intelligent, kind). In Study 3, undergraduates from two separate institutions used an open-ended method to indicate their personal beliefs about dwarves (cf. Eagly, Mladinic, & Otto, 1994). Responses contained a mixture of positive and negative characteristics, suggesting a greater willingness to admit to negative personal beliefs using the open-ended method.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Cross-Cultural Comparison*
  • Culture
  • Dwarfism / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prejudice / psychology*
  • Social Perception*
  • Stereotyping*
  • Students / psychology
  • Young Adult