HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS ATTITUDES TOWARD PERFORMING SOCIAL BEHAVIORS WITH MENTALLY-RETARDED AND PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEERS

In this investigation, Fishbein and Ajzen's (1975) Theory of Reasoned Action was used to examine high school students' intentions, attitudes, and normative beliefs associated with performing social behaviors of low, moderate, and high intimacy. Separate subject groups responded to vignettes portraying social behaviors with same-age same-sex peers described as nondisabled or having either a physical or a mental disability. The results indicated that subjects had generally favorable attitudes toward performing the three types of behavior with the three types of target peers. Attitudes toward performing social behaviors with peers were influenced by the perceived level of intimacy. Physically disabled target peers were responded to most favorably whereas intention to perform social behaviors with a mentally disabled target peer was low. Male subjects were reliably less favorable in their responses toward all three target peers. No consistent effect of age (school grade) was found. It was concluded that, if subjects' responses reliably predict their social behavior, nondisabled people are unlikely to resist low intimacy social contacts. Recommendations were made for educational practice concerning students with disabilities. The findings have implications for professionals concerned with the integration of all socially isolated individuals.