Toward Understanding Intellectual Disability Stigma: Introduction

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Abstract

This chapter provides a context for consideration of intellectual disability stigma. Drawing on social-psychological theories, the potential causes and functions of (intellectual) disability stigma are considered. It is proposed that both evolutionary and social constructionist approaches have a contribution to make in advancing our understanding, guiding future research, and ultimately informing the design of interventions likely to reduce intellectual disability stigma. The consequences of stigma for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families are outlined, and the question of identity in relation to stigma internalization and as basis for collective action is briefly considered. The chapter closes with thoughts on the future of intellectual disability stigma and the contribution this book will hopefully make in challenging it.

Keywords

Consequences of stigma Intellectual disability stigma Social-psychological theories of stigma 
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Copyright information

© The Author(s) 2016

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Division of Psychology & Language SciencesUniversity CollegeLondonUK

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