Exploring Predictors of Ableism: Positive Affect, Context-Sensitive Self, and the Role of Gender

Introduction: Ableism refers to prejudice and discrimination against people with disabilities, often manifested in exclusionary curricula, inaccessible environments, and biased institutional policies that limit their full participation. Aim: This study examines the relationships among Positive Affect (PA), Context-Sensitive Self (CSS), and Ableism, as well as the possible moderating role of Gender in higher education. Methods: An online survey was conducted in June 2024 among Indonesian university students without disabilities (N = 409; 80.2% women; Mage = 20.05 years old). Results: Based on the results of Moderated Regression Analysis, it is known that the research model is simultaneously significant [F(5, 403) = 13.712, p < .001] with a contribution of 14.5% to the variation in Ableism scores (R² = 0.145). Partially, PA (B = 0.075, p = .007) and CSS (B = 0.308, p < .001) had a significant positive effect on Ableism. Meanwhile, the Gender variable (B = -2.979, p = .414) and both interaction effects, namely PA × Gender (p = .307) and CSS × Gender (p = .675), were not significant. These results indicate that PA and CSS can predict Ableism, and this effect is not moderated by Gender. Conclusion: Findings suggest that both PA and CSS influence ableism positively, and this effect applies equally to men and women. Results indicate the importance of emotional and cultural factors in the development of inclusive attitudes.