Inclinations of Nonhandicapped Children To Help Their Handicapped Peers

Abstract

Inclinations of nonhandicapped children to help their handicapped peers are examined. Ninety-eight boys and girls in either kindergarten, first, second, or third grade viewed videotapes of pairs of children (Down's syndrome/orthopedically handicapped, orthopedically handicapped/nonhandicapped, nonhandicapped/Down's syndrome) in need of help with completing a puzzle. Subjects were asked which child they would help first and why, and how much help they would give each child. Results indicated that, overall, the orthopedically handicapped children were selected first more often than either the Down's-syndrome or the nonhandicapped children. The reasons given by the younger and older subjects for their choices were different. Implications of prosocial behaviors in an integrated setting are discussed.

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