Influence of Professional Values on Attitudes towards Professional Ethics in Future Physical Therapy Professionals

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the influence of professional values on attitudes towards professional ethics, as well as the influence of sociodemographic variables on attitudes and professional values in future physical therapy professionals. A total of 231 physical therapy students (53% women; mean age 22.30 (SD = 5.13 years; age range 18–49)) participated. Attitudes towards professional ethics (Attitudes Questionnaire towards Professional Ethics in Physical Therapy) and professional values (Axiological Estimation of Professional Values Questionnaire) were analyzed. Linear regressions were conducted to examine: (i) the statistical prediction of attitudes as a dependent variable, with professional values as independent variables; (ii) whether sociodemographic variables had a relationship with attitudes or professional values. Professional values explained 6.5% of the variance of attitudes towards professional ethics (F(1,230) = 16.08, p < 0.001)). In regard to sociodemographic characteristics, age explained 3% of the variance of attitudes (F(1,230) = 7.11, p < 0.01) and presence of relatives in healthcare explained 1.9% of the variance in professional values (F(1,230) = 4.35, p < 0.05)). These results suggest that an increased awareness of professional values is essential to maximizing the attitudes towards professional ethics in future physical therapy professionals in order to improve their future daily clinical practices.