Keywords

Amputation; prostheses; disability stigma; implicit bias; sex bias

Description

The SPSS dataset for the publication in "Rehabilitation Psychology."

Data Source

The anonymous survey included 469 participants from the University of Central Florida in the southeastern United States. Participants rated pictures of individuals with or without amputation, and with and without prostheses after reading a brief background scenario. Images were rated using a semantic differential for competence and warmth, and a scale of functional ability.

Abstract

Purpose/Objective: This study investigated attitudes that young adults have towards individuals with amputation of the upper limb (AUL). Previous studies have found that people tend to feel sympathy towards these individuals, but they are also perceived as less competent in various situations. However, it is unclear if these perceptions are influenced by factors such as the cause of amputation, the gender of the amputee, whether they use a prosthesis or not, or the type of prosthesis.

Research Method/Design: The survey included 469 participants from a university in the southeastern United States. Participants rated pictures of individuals with or without amputation, and with and without prostheses after reading a brief background scenario. Images were rated using a semantic differential for competence and warmth, and a scale of functional ability.

Results: Factorial ANOVAs produced significant main effects indicating individuals with AULs who used prostheses were rated with higher competence and ability than individuals with AULs who did not use prostheses. Females were rated with lower competence and ability, and higher warmth regardless of AULs status. Higher ability ratings were obtained for individuals with advanced technology prostheses as compared to bodypowered prostheses.

Conclusions/Implications: Findings indicate that attitudes towards individuals with AUL are generally positive when they use prostheses, but traditional stereotypes persist for those who do not. Negative sex biases were more extreme with AUL. Cause of amputation did not influence ratings. Prostheses that appear to be of advanced technology positively influenced ratings of functional ability when compared to traditional body powered types.

Release Date

2023

Document Type

Data

Sponsorship

None

Granting Agency

None

Award Number

None

Language

English

College

science

Campus Location

John C. Hitt Library

Department

Psychology

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