Thinking style as predictor of Attitude towards Children with Disabilities among Parents of Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Parental thinking styles may be relevant to understanding attitudes toward children with disabilities. This study examined whether parental thinking style was positively associated with and statistically predicted parental attitudes toward children with disabilities. A quantitative, cross-sectional correlational design was used with 200 parents. The study specified the Rational–Experiential Inventory-40 and the Parental Attitudes Toward Children with Handicaps scale as its measures. Pearson correlation and simple linear regression were conducted using the supplied thinking-style and parental-attitude variables. Results indicated a significant positive association between the scores, r(198) = .994, p < .001. The regression model was significant, F(1, 198) = 16,608.36, p < .001, accounting for 98.8% of the variance in parental-attitude scores, R² = .988. The predictor had a significant positive coefficient, B = 0.695, β = .994, p < .001. These findings supported the hypothesized positive association and statistical prediction but did not establish a causal effect. Interpretation requires confirmation that the variable labelled parenting style represents the intended thinking-style construct and that both measures were scored independently and correctly. Limitations include reliance on self-report, potential shared method variance, and the absence of separate rational and experiential predictors. Future research should examine these dimensions separately, incorporate multiple assessment methods, and use longitudinal or experimental designs. The findings identify a relationship warranting further investigation before conclusions are drawn about interventions intended to improve parental attitudes through changes in thinking style.