Attribution Model of Stigma towards Children with Autism in Hong Kong

In: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities: JARID, Volume 23, Issue 3, p. 237-249

Abstract

Background  Accounting for the effects of knowledge of and experience with autism, the relationships of cognitive attribution (perceived controllability), emotions (anger and sympathy), as well as helping and punitive behavioural intentions towards children with autism were examined. Based on the attribution model, mediating effects of anger and sympathy on cognitive attributions and behavioural intentions were tested.Materials and Methods  123 frontline staff in educational settings completed a modified version of the Attribution Questionnaire after reading a hypothetical vignette and completing a quiz on autism.Results  Knowledge and experience were only significantly related to punitive behavioural intention towards children with autism. Anger and sympathy mediated the effect between perceived controllability on both helping and punitive behavioural intentions.Conclusions  The intentional responses towards children with autism were strongly related to their emotional reactions. Thus, in addition to educating frontline staff about autism, training them on emotion regulation is equally important in autism stigma reduction.