Contextual Analyses of Attitudes toward Persons with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

Social desirability bias associated with attitudinal research can be minimized through contextual analyses. This study assessed attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities in three social contexts: Dating, marriage and workplace. It also examined the effects of social contact on attitudes. Using a cross-sectional survey, 202 Ghanaians were purposively sampled to respond to the Disability Social Relations Generalized Disability (DSRGD) scale. Statistical analyses revealed positive attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities among the participants. However, degrees of attitudinal favorability significantly differed in dating, marriage and workplace contexts. Participants’ attitudes were more positive in dating context than in marriage context and even more positive in workplace context. In addition, close social contact with persons with disabilities positively influenced participants’ attitudes. The findings highlight the need to consider close social contact in specific social contexts in the formulation of policies for promoting favorable attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities.