Emotional Intelligence and Attitudes toward People with Disabilities: A Comparison between Two Cultures

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to provide a framework for understanding the relationships among culture, emotional intelligence as measured by the Affective Response to Literature Survey (ARLS) and the Schutte Self-Report Inventory (SSRI), and attitude towards people with disabilities as measured by the Attitudes Toward Disabled Person Scale-Form A (ATDP-A). Results indicated significant (p < .01) differences among students' educational levels and their attitudes toward people with disabilities: Students with higher education levels reported higher ATDP-A scores. Costa Rican students scored significantly (p < .01) higher on the SSRI than students in the United States. In addition, significant (p < .01) differences were found between females from both groups and their male counterparts on the ARLS. Implications include the possibility of enhancing clients' emotional intelligence to assist in their coping and to increase individual's positive attitudes toward people with disabilities.