Attitudes Toward People with Intellectual Disabilities

Attitudes in Australia toward people with intellectual disabilities were investigated among students, disability services professionals, and the general population. Three previously validated questionnaires and a measure of respondent self-reported "social desirability" were used. Students...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of disability policy studies Vol. 15; no. 2; p. 97
Main Authors Yazbeck, Marie, McVilly, Keith, Parmenter, Trevor R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Austin SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC 01.10.2004
Subjects
Attitudes
Beliefs
Community Relations
Cultural Influences
Educational attainment
Genetic engineering
Influence
Intellectual disabilities
Intellectual Disability
Mental Disorders
Negative Attitudes
Older people
Parents
People with disabilities
Political Attitudes
Positive Attitudes
Prior Learning
Public policy
Researchers
Social Attitudes
Social Change
Social Desirability
Society
Australia
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Summary:Attitudes in Australia toward people with intellectual disabilities were investigated among students, disability services professionals, and the general population. Three previously validated questionnaires and a measure of respondent self-reported "social desirability" were used. Students and disability services professionals exhibited similar attitudes, with both groups reporting significantly more positive attitudes than members of the general population. More positive attitudes were evident among younger people, people with higher educational attainment, and individuals with a prior knowledge of or regular contact with people with intellectual disabilities. These respondents were less likely to support the principles of eugenics and more likely to support the paradigm of community inclusion. The authors make recommendations concerning the development of policies and strategies to foster the acceptance and inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities in the wider community. Further studies that include the use of qualitative techniques and target people in the general population are recommended. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1044-2073
1538-4802