Attitudes of Croatian Citizens Towards Children with Disabilities

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate attitudes towards children with disabilities and differences in attitudes depending on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, their previous experience in contact with children with disabilities and their level of knowledge on the subject. The research was conducted on a representative sample of adult citizens of the Republic of Croatia (N = 600) using the telephone interview method. The results show that adult citizens of Croatia have an extremely positive attitude towards children with disabilities: 86% of participants feel somewhat or completely comfortable in their proximity, 93% of participants make contact, and 70% of participants state that there is no social distance from children with disabilities. Women feel more comfortable around them compared to men. Individuals with lower education and older age express greater social distance, but older participants have a more open approach to children with disabilities. Higher levels of knowledge were associated with more positive attitudes toward all components. Knowing a child with disabilities positively affected the affective and behavioural components of the attitude, while (not) having a child with difficulties in the family was not related to any component of attitude. The results of this research show that children with disabilities are well accepted in our society and highlight the role of knowledge and contact in combating the stigmatisation of vulnerable groups