| Abstract: | The work of health rofessionals is directly influenced by somatopsychological attitudes. Expectations from the disabled person, from health professionals, and from society play an important part in adjustment to disability. Role theory has helped us look at the "sick role" versus the disabled role and we now realize that role confusion often interferes with the adjustment process. It is important that students be made aware of these different theories to help them get in touch with their own feelings about disability and develop an understanding of attitudes which will facilitate the adjustment process. An instrument measuring attitudes toward the disabled was administered to two successive junior occupational therapy classes, at the beginning and the end of the school year. Change in attitudes was analyzed and positive significant results were discussed in relation to implications for education and practice. |
