Date Approved

1-25-2017

Embargo Period

1-25-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA School Psychology

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Dihoff, Roberta

Keywords

education, educational label, relationships, stigma

Subject(s)

Stigma (Social Psychology); Learning disabled youth

Disciplines

Social Psychology

Abstract

Labels exist within society for many reasons. Labels exist within school systems to benefit students by providing them with the best possible education. This includes providing accommodations when appropriate and guaranteeing the least-restrictive environment for them to grow and succeed. While labels are designed to help students, they sometimes have negative side effects, such as stigma that could result in stigma and subsequently low self-esteem or poor self-image. This study examines 93 students' responses for a connection between relationships with those who are labelled and attitudes and beliefs about those who are labelled educationally, as well as a possible relationship between knowledge of specific labels and attitudes and beliefs about those who hold those labels. While no significant relationships were found, much is still left to be learned about the stigma surrounding educational labels. Results suggest that further research is needed to add to the literature and hopefully provide new advances for programs to reduce stigma in schools.

Download

Share

COinS