Attitudes of high school students toward individuals with mental retardation

The attitudes of 144 high school students toward individuals who have menta l retardation were examined using the Mental Retardation Attitude Inventory -Revised (Antonak & Harth, 1994). The inventory is divided into four subsca les consisting of statements regarding integration-segregation, private rig hts, social distance, and subtle derogatory beliefs, Each subscale was asse ssed along with gender, frequency of contact with individuals who have ment al retardation, and prior knowledge about mental retardation. Results indic ate that gender and frequency of contact does influence attitudes. These re sults are significant because these high school students either are or will soon become adults and impact the community with their attitudes.