Self-perceived stigma in Chilean adolescents with intellectual disability

Abstract

Stigma is a form of negative social stereotype characterized by a lack of respect toward an individual or a group of people. It is defined as a personal attribute that triggers negative stereotypes, leading to adverse effects on the individuals concerned. This study aims to explore the self-perceived stigma experienced by adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Chile. We explored self-perceived stigma in 139 Chilean adolescents, using the Perceived Stigma of Intellectual Disability Scale, which was translated and adapted for the Chilean population as part of this project. We calculated total stigma scores as well as scores for various subscales. Additionally, we conducted analyses of variance, independent t tests, and chi-square tests to identify differences in self-stigma based on various sociodemographic factors. The total self-perceived stigma score was relatively low among Chilean adolescents with intellectual disabilities compared to previously published reports from other countries. Some variations in reactions to discrimination were observed based on the type of schooling, particularly strong negative reactions associated with attending special schools. The low self-perceived stigma reported by Chilean adolescents with intellectual disabilities may be attributed to social and cultural factors, as well as the availability of social opportunities and their intensity. Future studies should further investigate the impact of special schools on individuals with intellectual disabilities in Chile.