Influence of Occupational Therapy Curricula on Students’ Attitudes Toward Persons With Disabilities

Abstract

The influence of occupational therapy curricula on students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities was studied. Twenty-six female students in either their first or fourth (i.e, final) semester of the occupational therapy curriculum were assessed with the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATDP) (Yukor, Block, & Younng, 1966). A comparison group, 26 female students in either their first or fourth semester of the medical technology program, was also assessed with this scale. As hypothesized, the fourth-semester occupational therapy students showed significantly higher scores than did the other three groups of subjects. Also as predicted, this same group showed significantly higher scores than their first-semester counterparts and the fourth-semester medical technology students. No significant difference was found between first-semester and fourth-semester medical technology students. The occupational therapy curriculum appears to positively influence students' attitudes toward persons with disabilities.

Attitudes of entry level occupational therapy doctoral students towards inclusion for students with disabilities

“…occupational therapy students) towards inclusion will determine why and how occupational therapy services are implemented within inclusive environments. As suggested in previous literature (Benham, 1988;Estes, Deyer, Hansen & Russell, 1991;Eagly & Chaiken, 1993;Lee, Paterson & Chan, 1994), the attitudes of occupational therapists and occupational therapy students towards inclusion may also play a significant role in the therapeutic relationship with students with disabilities.…”

First year occupational therapy students: Profile and perceptions

“…For example, one study identified that creativity, enjoying variety, being people-oriented and having a preference for practical or applied rather than academic course work were qualities that many occupational therapy students possessed (Madill, Macnab, & Brintnell, 1989). In addition, it has been found that, while undesirable characteristics such as poor knowledge and negative attitudes may be present in beginning students, these may improve during a course (Estes, Deyer, Hansen, & Russell, 1991;Lee, Paterson, & Chan, 1994). In this longitudinal study, we aim to examine the development of attitudes throughout the education programme, and to describe the 'socialization' of students into occupational therapy culture.…”

“…The questionnaire used in this study was based on one used previously at the University of Queensland to identify factors influencing students' choice of veterinary science as a career, and their attitudes and career expectations (Heath, Western, & Makkai, 1985). The original questionnaire was modified for use with occupational therapy students.…”

Attitudes of undergraduates towards mental illness: A comparison between nursing and business management students in India

“…[18,[22][23][24] Similarly, a study on occupational therapy students reported that they were positively influenced towards persons with disabilities after having contact with disabled persons through fieldwork. [25] Furthermore, a multicentre university programme that surveyed 456 students from various departments reported that they developed less stigmatising attitudes after a course on mental illness. [26] However, not all healthcare students exhibit this positive attitude towards mental illness.…”