ERIC Number: EJ1273542
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1356-9783
EISSN: N/A
Theatre as a Tool to Reduce Autism Stigma? Evaluating 'Beyond Spectrums'
Massa, Anthony; DeNigris, Danielle; Gillespie-Lynch, Kristen
Research in Drama Education, v25 n4 p613-630 2020
Drawing from 'intergroup contact theory,' which states that direct contact between groups can reduce biases, we developed a theatrical intervention to provide members of a college community with positive contact with autistic people and their stories. Autistic people helped create and perform the piece. Audience responses revealed reduced stigma towards and increased knowledge about autism following the performance. Audience members reported that the performance was informative and effective, with the potential to transform attitudes toward autism. Future theatre-based anti-stigma interventions should develop increasingly more collaborative, immersive and entertaining ways of addressing misconceptions and fostering high-quality contact with diversity.
Descriptors: Drama, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Social Bias, Intervention, Community Colleges, Familiarity, Program Effectiveness, Misconceptions, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Social Attitudes, Social Distance, Age Differences, Gender Differences, Interpersonal Relationship
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York (New York)
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Bogardus Social Distance Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A