Consuming Image: How Mass Media Impact the Identity of People with Disabilities

Abstract

This research investigated what people with disabilities think about media representations of their community and how mass media impact their disability identity. The study found that respondents (N = 359) think American media portray people with disabilities both negatively and positively. Perceived positive media representation of people with disabilities led to affirmation of their disability identity even when the media messages were perceived as unrealistic, whereas negative media representation led to denial of their disability identity. Implications and limitations are discussed.

Keywords:

• Identity
• Media Effects
• People With Disabilities
• Perceived Realism

Notes

Note. For both models, N = 320. Sex was coded as 1 = male, 2 = female. Coefficients are standardized betas.

*p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lingling Zhang

Lingling Zhang (Ph.D., Washington State University, 2008) is an assistant professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies at Towson University.

Beth Haller

Beth Haller (Ph.D., Temple University, 1995) is a professor in the Department of Mass Communication and Communication Studies at Towson University.