Factor Structure and Construct Validity of the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale

The current study investigated the psychometric properties of the Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale (IDP). An exploratory factor analysis ( N=358) found three factors underlying attitudes toward individuals with disabilities as measured by the IDP. These factors were labeled social discomfort, empathy, and fear of having the disability. The estimates of reliability were acceptable for the three factors. The putative factor struoture was recovered in a confirmatory factor analysis conducted on a second, independent sample ( N=272). The three factors were related in appropriate directions with other measures of attitudes toward individuals with disabilities, self-esteem, amount of prior contact, experience with, and the closeness of relationships with individuals with disabilities.