Developmental Differences in Reactions to the Physically Disabled

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Abstract
Research on developmental differences in reactions to the physically disabled was critically reviewed in order to illustrate age-related influences and to provide a clearer conceptualization of reactions to the physically disabled. Results revealed several basic methodological inadequacies in past research. Nevertheless, past research revealed a consistent age-related sequence when methodological problems involving measurement and procedure were considered. Data revealed that reactions to the physically disabled increase in favorability from early childhood through late adolescence, whereupon reactions decrease in favorability. Reactions again increase in favorability from early through late adulthood, whereupon reactions decrease in favorability. It was proposed that this age-related sequence may be explained by developmental differences in subjective role-taking ability. The inadequacies illustrated and the developmental sequence proposed may assist in the design of future research.