Implicit attitudes towards people with visible difference: findings from an Implicit Association Test

Abstract

Research on implicit and explicit attitudes towards those with a visible difference has provided contradictory findings. While studies suggest explicit attitudes towards those with a visible difference are positive, implicit attitudes are likely to be negative. An Implicit Association Test measured attitudes towards visible differences in 129 adults finding no evidence of negative implicit attitudes. This contrasts with previous findings and accounts of those with a visible difference who report perceiving negative behaviours by the general public. Results are discussed in terms of what is known about perceiving faces that are different, as well as socio-cultural changes. These findings provide preliminary evidence that implicit attitudes towards visible difference are not negative, and that behaviour may be a result of uncertainty regarding how to behave.

Keywords:

• Visible difference
• disfigurement
• Implicit Association Test
• stigma

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge the support provided by Rob Ellis, Cog Research, UK and Changing Faces, UK in enabling us to use the IAT.