A comparison of attitudes and knowledge of Ghanaian college students relative to the mentally retarded.
Attitudes toward the disabled in Ghana were evaluated among college students majoring in general education (experimental group, special education, administration, and medicine). Eight questions were asked on a general questionnaire that pertained to attitudes, contact and knowledge about the handicapped. The findings revealed a negative correlation between greater knowledge and attitudes toward the mentally retarded. Students responded more favorable than nonstudents to statements emphasizing the value of educating the disabled. Students were less likely to blame the disabled or his/her family for the presence of a disability. Neither students nor nonstudents favored social interaction with the disabled. All scores fell within or above the moderately positive range. However, analysis of data revealed an inconsistency between the cognitive and affective attitude components. These findings suggest the influence of traditional beliefs on attitudes toward the disabled. They must, however, be interpreted within the context of a sociocultural and socioeconomic milieu which is in a state of transition. Implications of the findings are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*