Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the perception of others towards individuals with upper limb amputation and to determine how their ratings were affected by the presence of a prosthesis. The survey included 469 participants from a university in the southeastern United States. Participants read a brief background scenario and then rated pictured individuals with or without amputation, and with and without prostheses. Our assumption was that if one type of image was rated more negatively than others, this discrepancy would quantify stigma and stereotype. After viewing the images, participants rated several attributes associated with disability stereotypes and perceived functional ability using a semantic differential and ability rating scale. Multiple significant findings were observed including higher competence, warmth, and ability ratings of amputees with prostheses as compared to both non-amputees and amputees, lower competence and ability ratings in females as compared to males, and higher ability ratings for individuals with myoelectric prostheses as compared to body-powered prostheses. Perceptions of amputees are important in understanding amputees' experience in many areas such as employment opportunities and psychosocial functioning.

Thesis Completion

2022

Semester

Fall

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Cassisi, Jeffrey

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

12-15-2022

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Psychology Commons

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