Occupational Therapy Education, Attitudes on Aging, and Occupational Therapy Students and Therapists Interest in Gerontology Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACTAim: This study examined relationships among OT gerontology education, attitudes about older adults, occupational therapist and student “willingness to work” with older adults, and therapist and student identification of OT gerontology practice settings, and explored students' attitudes about older adults and gerontology practice. Methods: This study used a survey design and focus groups. The Refined-Aging Semantic Differential and Facts on Aging Quiz were utilized to assess attitudes and knowledge of aging. Participants included NYS occupational therapists (n = 85) and OT students (n = 144). Results: Significant relationships were found between OT gerontology education and “willingness to work” for therapists (rho = .351, p = .000) and students (rho = .342, p < .001); a weak significant correlation was noted between positive attitudes and therapists' “willingness to work” (rho = −.18, p = .049). Focus group data found strong interest in working with older adults. Conclusions: Findings have implications for relationships between OT education and gerontology practice.