Title of Presentation or Performance
Effects of Disclosing Autism on Coworker Attitudes
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2013
Location
Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-20-2013 2:00 PM
End Date
4-20-2013 3:00 PM
Disciplines
Psychology
Abstract
Individuals with autism tend to have difficulty with social relationships in the workplace, which makes it difficult to obtain and maintain employment. In order to help individuals with autism navigate the workplace, it is important to examine possible stigma management strategies. Using principles from the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) theory, I investigated the effects of disclosing autism on coworker attitudes by having participants view and react to a video of an actor portraying an individual with autism. I also investigated the effects of displayed interpersonal warmth (e.g., greeting others) on potential coworker attitudes. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions formed by the presence or absence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disclosure and the presence or absence of interpersonal warmth. After viewing the videos, the participants completed several measures to assess their judgments, emotional reactions, and behavioral intentions towards the individual with ASD. Disclosure had a stronger and more positive impact on the participants’ reactions and attitudes toward the trainee compared to the interpersonal warmth behaviors. When ASD was disclosed, participants perceived the individual as more warm and competent, felt more admiration and less irritation toward him, were more likely to help and associate with him, and were more willing to work with him.
Effects of Disclosing Autism on Coworker Attitudes
Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Individuals with autism tend to have difficulty with social relationships in the workplace, which makes it difficult to obtain and maintain employment. In order to help individuals with autism navigate the workplace, it is important to examine possible stigma management strategies. Using principles from the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) theory, I investigated the effects of disclosing autism on coworker attitudes by having participants view and react to a video of an actor portraying an individual with autism. I also investigated the effects of displayed interpersonal warmth (e.g., greeting others) on potential coworker attitudes. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions formed by the presence or absence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) disclosure and the presence or absence of interpersonal warmth. After viewing the videos, the participants completed several measures to assess their judgments, emotional reactions, and behavioral intentions towards the individual with ASD. Disclosure had a stronger and more positive impact on the participants’ reactions and attitudes toward the trainee compared to the interpersonal warmth behaviors. When ASD was disclosed, participants perceived the individual as more warm and competent, felt more admiration and less irritation toward him, were more likely to help and associate with him, and were more willing to work with him.