The effect of video observation on warmth and competence ratings of individuals with spinal cord injury

Abstract

People with physical disabilities are rated as having high warmth and low competence, and as a result are often stigmatized. Being perceived as an exerciser can mitigate this stigma. The purpose of this study was to examine whether videos of physically active individuals with a spinal cord injury (SCI) can reduce negative perceptions held by people who are able-bodied. The use of videos in this research area is novel. One week after completing a baseline questionnaire assessing perceptions of warmth and competence of an individual with SCI, 171 participants (Mage 20.73 ± 1.54 yrs; 77.84% female) viewed a video featuring an individual with SCI engaging in physical activity in a competitive setting, a non-competitive setting or a control setting. The post-video questionnaire evaluated participants' perception of warmth and competence of the featured individual. A 2 (Time) x 3 (Video) repeated measure ANCOVA controlling for sex revealed that warmth ratings did not change after watching the video, F(2, 167) = 1.57, p = .21. The Time x Video interaction was significant for competence ratings, F(2, 167) = 7.64, p < .01. While competence ratings increased for all groups, p < .003, change scores were greater for the competitive video group compared to the other groups, F(2, 171) = 7.64, p = .001. Videos of physically active individuals with SCI, particularly competitive sport videos, can reduce negative perceptions of competence held by people who are able-bodied.