Salience of Disability Cues in Functional Clothing: A Multidimensional Approach

Abstract

This paper provides data on perceptions of functional clothing, augmenting a theoretical framework integrating symbolicinteractionist and cognitive approaches. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 322 physically disabled university students throughout the nation. One half of the students evaluated line drawings of only one view of each clothing style, whereas the other half rated illustrations presenting an additional view detailing the special, functional feature of the garment. The students responded more negatively to the functional clothing when the special feature was made salient. Factor analyses revealed the multidimensionality of meanings assigned to functional clothing, with evaluative, functional, and noticeability dimensions being most common. The complex, joint effects of sex, onset of disability, and wheelchair usage upon the students' responses point to the problematic nature of identifying common needs among persons with physical disabilities. Theoretical and real world implications are discussed. fies three interrelated areas of uncertainty in relation to physically disabled persons' perceptions of functional dress: (a) salience of functional features as perceptual stimuli, (b) complexity or multidimensionality of meanings assigned, and (c) personal characteristics that help to differentiate the symbolic orientations of persons with physical disabilities.The authors wish to express their appreciation to Joan L. Chandler for technical assistance in data analysis.

Disability, Participation and Apparel throughout the Life Course

“…For example, clothing might need to be modified to allow access to IV ports or catheters necessitated by impairments in body function, or might interfere with the ability to use assistive devices and thus a person's ability to execute different activities (Banks 2001;Garner and Douglas 1991;Nessley and King 1980;Wang et al 2014;White and Dallas 1977). Further, clothing can increase feelings of stigma that influence the desire or ability to engage in social participation (Carroll and Gross 2010;Carroll and Kincade 2007;Freeman, Kaiser, and Wingate 1985;Wingate, Kaiser, and Freeman 1986). For many PLWD, "…dressing in patient clothing can be a metaphor for illness or other health problems" (Topo andIltanen-Tähkävuori 2010, 1685).…”

Perceived Risk and Information Sources Used by Wheelchair-Bound Consumers in Clothing Purchase Decisions

“…Wingate, Kaiser, and Freeman (1986) also reported a difference in clothing choice between those with congenital and acquired disabilities. They found that those with acquired disabilities were more likely to choose functional clothing that is normative in appearance than those with congenital disabilities.…”

Apparel Acquisition for Consumers with Disabilities: Purchasing Practices and Barriers to Shopping

“…For example, O'Bannon, et al (1988) sampled consumers in Missouri who used wheelchairs. Miller (1980) sampled individuals with physical disabilities from the Lansing, Michigan area, while Wingate, Kaiser, and Freeman (1986) sampled students with disabilities from 72 colleges and universities across the country. Miller (1980) sampled individuals with physical disabilities from the Lansing, Michigan area, while Wingate, Kaiser, and Freeman (1986) sampled students with disabilities from 72 colleges and universities across the country.…”

“…It was based in part on a questionnaire developed by Wingate, Kaiser, and Freeman (1986). The highest response rate was achieved using the third approach.…”