Researchers conducted a study that investigated attitudes young adults have toward people with upper-limb amputations. Previous studies have found that people tend to feel sympathy toward 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, gender, whether they use a prosthesis, or the type of prosthesis.
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 of the study showed that factorial analysis of variances produced significant main effects indicating individuals with upper-limb amputations who used prostheses were rated with higher competence and ability than individuals with upper-limb amputations who did not use prostheses. Women were rated with lower competence and ability, and higher warmth regardless of their amputation status. Higher ability ratings were obtained for individuals with advanced technology prostheses as compared to body-powered prostheses.
Researchers concluded that people generally hold positive attitudes toward individuals with upper-limb amputations when they use prostheses. However, traditional stereotypes persist for those who do not. Negative biases toward women should be accounted for in disability stigma studies. The cause of amputation did not influence ratings, the study found. Prostheses that appear to be advanced technology positively influenced ratings of functional ability when compared to traditional body-powered types.
