Attitudes regarding interpersonal relationships with persons with mental illness and mental retardation

In addition to pervasive negative social attitudes toward people with disabilities, research has also shown that a hierarchical order of social acceptance of disabilities exists. Within this hierarchical order of social desirability, mental retardation and mental illness have consistently been identified as the least accepted disabilities in social relationships, resulting in greater social distance and resulting in few friendship opportunities. This study examined the socially defined hierarchical order of disabilities and the impact of gender, education and current friendships on perceived knowledge and desired social distance from persons with mental retardation and mental illness. Implications for counselors working with clients with these disorders are discussed.