The Effects of People-First Language and Demographic Variables on Beliefs, Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions Toward People with Disabilities

Abstract

The effects of people-first language usage and demographic variables on beliefs, attitudes and behavioral intentions toward people with disabilities were investigated. Participants included 351 undergraduate minors, masters, and doctoral level students in counseling psychology at a state university located in the Midwest. Study participants provided demographic information, produced a writing sample concerning a hypothetical client who has a disability, and completed the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (ATOP) and the Beliefs and Behavioral Intentions Scale (BABI). The BABI examined beliefs and behavioral intentions across three dimensions; sexuality, quality of life potential, and professional personal social distance. Analysis of the writing samples indicated that only a minority of participants used people-first language consistently. A series of ANOVAs were conducted comparing people-first language usage and scores on both the ATOP and BABI scales. Although the results were mixed, language usage appears to affect the attitude and behavioral intentions towards persons with disabilities.