This study examined the impact of different styles of television portrayal
of a young adult male with Down Syndrome upon the attitudes of 92 undergrad
uate students. Their attitudes were considered using measures of beliefs, f
eelings of comfort, behavioral intentions, volunteering intentions, social
desirability and variables associated with previous contact (quality and qu
antity of contact and media exposure). Participants were assigned to experi
mental conditions based on television viewing preferences. They viewed one
of three programs: "Man Alive: David" (documentary), "Life Goes Qn" (drama)
, or "My So Called Life" (control). A multiple stepwise regression yielded
a number of predictors of attitudes including: gender, experimental conditi
on, quality and quantity of previous contact, prior media exposure, and soc
ial desirability.