ERIC Number: EJ942698
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0891-4222
EISSN: N/A
Factors Influencing the Intention of Students to Work with Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Werner, Shirli; Grayzman, Alina
Research in Developmental Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal, v32 n6 p2502-2510 Nov-Dec 2011
Providing adequate care to individuals with intellectual disability (ID) requires the willingness of students in various health and social professions to care for this population upon completion of their studies. The aim of the current study was to examine the factors associated with the intentions of students from various fields to work with individuals with ID, using the framework of the Theory of Planned Behavior. A structured self-administered questionnaire was completed by 512 social work, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, special education, and nursing students. The questionnaire measured students' attitudes toward individuals with ID and toward working with this population, as well as their perceptions of subjective norms, controllability, self-efficacy, prior acquaintance with individuals with ID, and subjective knowledge about ID. Structural equation modeling showed that the students' intentions to work with individuals with ID were predicted by their attitudes and perceptions of subjective norms. Field of study and subjective knowledge were also found to be predictive of behavioral intention. The TPB proved to be a useful framework for examining students' intentions to work with persons with ID. Given the lack of education in the field of ID, as well as the prevailing stigmatic attitudes toward this population, university departments should develop programs aimed at increasing knowledge, promoting positive contact, and reducing the fear attached to working with persons with intellectual disability. (Contains 3 figures and 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Nursing Students, Student Attitudes, Structural Equation Models, Self Efficacy, Mental Retardation, Intention, Measures (Individuals), Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Influences, College Students, Questionnaires, Special Education, Speech Language Pathology, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Knowledge Level, Career Choice, Predictor Variables, Social Bias
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A