Semantic differential ratings as indices of disability acceptance.

Abstract

This study assessed the value of using distance (D) measures computed from physically disabled persons' semanti c differential ratings of personal and disability-related concepts as indices of disability acceptance. Although no significant relationships are identified, evidence is found to suggest that the distance measure construct offers potential for investigating other types of research questions pertinent to rehabilitation psychology.The semantic differential technique (Osgood, Suci, & Tannenbaum 1957) has been used to investigate a wide range of research problems in rehabilitation psychology. On the basis of results from his study, Stout (1965, pp. 48-52) proposed that distance (D) measures derived from physically disabled persons' semantic differential ratings of personal and disability-related concepts might provide reliable and valid indices of disability acceptance. If supported, this proposal could have significant clinical and research applications, not only because of the importance attached to the disability acceptance process by practitioners, but also due to the efficiency of measurement that the semantic differential technique provides. The purpose of this study is to assess the appropriateness of using distance measures computed from physically disabled persons' semantic differential ratings of personal and disability-related concepts as indices of disability acceptance. METHODIn all, 30 physically disabled persons at a rehabilitation facility in a large Midwestern city served as data sources for this investigation.There were 14 males and 16 females in the study group, who ranged in age from 17 to 67 years, with a mean of 37.3 years and a standard deviation of 13.0 years.Two research instruments were employed. The first was based on Osgood's semantic differential technique (Osgood et al., 1957). This instrument consisted of four concepts, Myself, My Body, Person with a Physical Disability, and Person without a Physical Disability, which the subjects rated across a series of 15 bipolar adjective