Assessing Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practices of Workers Supporting People With Disabilities: A Validation of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes Scale.

Abstract

This study conducted an initial psychometric validation of the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude Scales (EBPAS; Aarons, 2004 ) with a sample of workers employed in services that offer support to people with disabilities. Workers completed an online survey containing the EBPAS-GEN (a disability services version) and EBPAS-PBS (a version focused on positive behavior support, an evidence-based practice used in disability services). Confirmatory factor analysis, group differences, and internal consistency results support the psychometric soundness of both versions; however, the EBPAS-GEN shows slightly weaker properties. Evidence-based practice is gaining attention in the disability literature, and these findings add to this body of knowledge. These initial findings support the use of both versions of the EBPAS with populations of workers who work within disability services.