Research Article Open Access

Able-Bodied Individuals’ Initial Interaction Decisions Concerning a Partner in a Wheelchair

Melissa Ann Tafoya1 and Paul Mongeau2
  • 1 La Sierra University, United States
  • 2 Arizona State University, United States

Abstract

Establishing and maintaining personal relationships is a quintessential part of the human experience, with a few notable exceptions, persons with disabilities have been virtually ignored by relationships scholars. This study seeks to advance disability research by examining how a wheelchair influences able-bodied participant’s perceptions of initial interactions. Using various scenarios, we asked students how they would react if they were at a bar and someone in a wheelchair showed an interest in them. Overall, men reacted more negatively than women (i.e., avoidance, sex goals, interest, homophily, etc.) at the thought of approaching someone in a wheelchair. We have an ethical obligation to break down these barriers and assumptions made by able- bodied individuals, especially since the quality of an individual’s relationships represents an important component of their quality of life.

Journal of Social Sciences
Volume 14 No. 1, 2018, 203-212

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2018.203.212

Submitted On: 12 October 2018 Published On: 4 December 2018

How to Cite: Tafoya, M. A. & Mongeau, P. (2018). Able-Bodied Individuals’ Initial Interaction Decisions Concerning a Partner in a Wheelchair. Journal of Social Sciences, 14(1), 203-212. https://doi.org/10.3844/jssp.2018.203.212

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Keywords

  • Disability
  • Dating
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Initial Interactions
  • Health Communication
  • Social Psychology