Stereotypic attitudes and behavioral intentions toward handicapped children.

Fifty-six junion-high-school pupils were questioned about their attitudes toward mentally retarded and crippled children. Same- and opposite-sex ratings of stereotypes and behavioral intentions were obtained. Results indicated a significant main effect for handicap condition, with stereotypic attitudes toward the crippled child being more favorable than attitudes toward the mentally retarded child. No differences in attitudes toward the two handicapping conditions emerged on the measure of behavioral intentions. Sex of the subject and sex of the handicapped child being rated did not significantly affect attitude scores in this study. The data were discussed in relation to the many methodological difficulties encountered in attitude research toward handicapped populations.