@article {10.3844/jssp.2018.203.212,
article_type = {journal},
title = {Able-Bodied Individuals’ Initial Interaction Decisions Concerning a Partner in a Wheelchair},
author = {Tafoya, Melissa Ann and Mongeau, Paul},
volume = {14},
year = {2018},
month = {Dec},
pages = {203-212},
doi = {10.3844/jssp.2018.203.212},
url = {https://thescipub.com/abstract/jssp.2018.203.212},
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 = {Journal of Social Sciences},
publisher = {Science Publications}
}