Junior and senior high school music students' attitudes toward individuals with a disability

Author(s): Johnson, Christopher M.

Journal/Book: Journal of Music Therapy. 1994; 31: 266-279.

Abstract: Assessed junior high school (JHS) and senior high school (SHS) music students' attitudes toward disabled persons. 424 JHS Ss and 275 SHS Ss completed the Disability Factor Scale (J. Siller et al, 1967), a questionnaire on attitudes toward various disabilities, and answered 6 AIDS questions. JHS Ss expressed less sensitivity than SHS Ss to persons with all disabilities except AIDS, suggesting JHS students are less accepting of those who are different. Females showed more positive attitudes than males toward every disability. Visible scars, heart trouble, and deafness were most accepted. Paralysis, AIDS, and blindness were least accepted, perhaps because they threaten personal mobility, which is highly valued among young people. Age-related differences suggest that acceptance increases with time, exposure, and maturation. Results suggest that early inclusion of disabled students in music class maximizes the benefits of socialization.

Note: attitudes toward persons with physical disabilities or disorders; junior & high school music students; implications for music therapists

Keyword(s): Student attitudes; physical handicaps attit toward; physical illness attitudes toward; music education; music therapy; adolescence ; junior high school students; high school students

Zurück | Weiter