Students’ perception of disabilities through the prism of social distance, life values and respect

Sa？etak The aim of this study was to examine students’ perception of disabilities in terms of social distance, life values and respect towards different groups of students with disabilities. For this purpose, we conducted research on 473 students using the following measurement instruments designed for this study: a Social Distance Scale, which measures student readiness to accept a certain type of social relationship with a student with a certain disability; a Scale of Respect for persons with disabilities; and an Inventory of Life Values. Students preferred to have a friendly relationship with a student with any type of disability. Students showed the greatest distance towards students with mental disabilities. Female students were more likely than male students to have a closer relationship with a student with visual and/or hearing impairment. In other estimates of social distance, there were no statistically significant differences between male and female students. Also, female students showed greater respect for people with disabilities. Students with more emphasised values of care for others and students with greater respect for students with disabilities also expressed lower social distance. Higher estimate of life values of independence and responsibility and concern for others were noted in female students. Gender differences were interpreted in accordance with the theory of socialisation and the theory of evolution