Book Description

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare attitudes towards individuals with disability of college freshman from various majors. METHODS: This non-experimental study included a total of 103 freshman participants from Health Studies and Non-Health Studies majors. The Multi-dimensional Attitudes Scale towards Persons with Disabilities (MAS) was distributed to the participants via their first year seminar class instructor. RESULTS: Participants in the Health Studies majors consisted of more females than males, and more individuals within those majors reported having disability experience than those in the non- Health Studies majors. Positive correlations were found between the domains of cognition and behavior and affect and behavior. Interestingly, there was no significant correlation between cognition and affect. A 2x2x2 univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) found no significant interactions between major, gender, disability experience or domains of attitude. Significance was found between major and behavior and major and affect. CONCLUSION: The responses of these participants indicate that affect and cognition are related to behavior. While there were no significant interactions between the domains of attitude, major, gender, or disability experience, significance was found between major and the domain of behavior. This finding suggests that education may influence how one behaves towards individuals with disability. Occupational Therapists can assist in educating others about disability, take an active role in advocating for people with disabilities, and positively contribute to changing attitudes.