People tend to blame individuals more for unfavorable outcomes, especially if the condition is perceived as controllable. This blame often stems from a "just world" belief, where blaming protects observers from the fear that bad things can happen randomly.

State University of New York at Binghamton

- Controllability Factor
- Disability Acquisition Threat

The Role of Blame and Fear in Acquired Disability Stigma

Bogart, K. R., Rosa, N. M., & Slepian, M. L. (2018). Born that way or became that way: Stigma toward congenital versus acquired disability. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 22(4), 594-612. https://doi.org/10.1177/1368430218757897 (Original work published 2019)

Reference: Stigma Towards Congenital Versus Acquired Disability

Controllability Factor in Acquired Disability Stigma

Disability acquisition threat is a key mechanism for acquired disability stigma. Encountering someone with an acquired disability can remind observers that they too could acquire one. To protect themselves from this threat, people may blame those with acquired disabilities, viewing their conditions as controllable, thereby reassuring themselves that it wouldn't happen to them (e.g., "I am careful!"). This threat is less relevant for congenital disabilities as they cannot be acquired.

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