Difference and Disdain

The Difference and Disdain scale (DaD) is a 9-item measure that assesses how individuals view others in stigmatized groups compared to the general population. Responses are rated on a scale from 1 to 9, where 1 represents a belief that stigmatized people are similar to/favorable compared to others in the general population and 9 represents a belief that they are different from/unfavorable compared to the general population. This measure has been adapted to ask about people with substance use problems and then criminal involvement (18 items total). Each scale ranges from 9–81 with higher scores indicating more differences/disdain.