Experienced and Anticipated Discrimination in Persons with Physical Disabilities in Serbia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore extensity (regarding various life domains in which it appears) and intensity of experienced and anticipated discrimination of persons with physical disabilities; (2) to investigate how experienced and anticipated discrimination relate to each other; (3) to explore relations between experienced and anticipated discrimination and certain socio demographic variables (gender, marriage, residence, family type, employment and age). The levels of experienced and anticipated stigmatization were evaluated by Discrimination and Stigma Scale (DISC – 12). The results showed that persons with physical disability experience discrimination in family life (63. 3 percent), (starting a family (65. 5 percent), marriage (45. 4 percent), role as a parent (45. 3 percent), in the experience of being avoided or shunned (42. 1 percent), in relation to professional staff (40. 3 percent), etc. They anticipate discrimination in making close relationships (46. 3 percent), in employment (30. 2 percent) and in education (24. 3 percent). Multiple regression analysis showed that experienced discrimination is a predictor of anticipated discrimination. Discrimination is more anticipated by unmarried participants, younger, participants living in extended families and by participants not living in their own apartments. It is necessary to design an anti-stigma campaign, which will lead to the reduction of experienced and anticipated discrimination. Keywords: stigma, experienced discrimination, anticipated discrimination, persons with physical disability.