The impact of contact with persons with a disability on attitudes towards disability amongst the general population and those with a newly acquired spinal cord injury

Wilson, Christine Mary (2014). The impact of contact with persons with a disability on attitudes towards disability amongst the general population and those with a newly acquired spinal cord injury. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Background. A review of the literature addressed intergroup contact between physically disabled and non-disabled groups using quality and data extraction frameworks to evaluate study design and contact effectiveness. Review findings showed intergroup contact of this kind led to reduced prejudice towards the disabled and may benefit those with newly acquired disabilities. Aim. It was proposed that pre-injury contact with disabled people could influence post-injury perceptions of disability, for those with newly acquired disability. Method. Twenty six people with a newly acquired spinal cord injury were assessed during their initial admission to a specialist centre. The effects of pre-injury contact with disabled persons were assessed, by evaluating post-injury illness perceptions. Any associations between illness perceptions and psychological wellbeing, engagement and functional achievements in rehabilitation, were also measured. Findings. Pre-injury contact was significantly associated with post-injury perceptions of controllability of their condition but not with other illness representations. No other significant associations were found with psychological or physical rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusions. Contact between those with new disabilities and other disabled people might help individuals adjust to their condition. More research needs to be conducted with larger samples using more relevant and better designed, measures of rehabilitation outcomes and adjustment.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

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