The effects of descriptive, explanatory, and directive information associated with personalised interaction on the attitudes toward an adult with high-functioning autism

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground The purpose of the present research was to analyse the impact of an educational message incorporating descriptive, explanatory, and directive information on the attitudes of young adults toward a peer with high-functioning autism (HFA).Method Engineering students (N = 104) completed the Multidimensional Attitudes Scale at 3 time points: before the educational message, afterward, then 1 month later. The message was delivered through a video with a voice-over or live by an actor playing the role of an adult with HFA in a situation of personalised interaction.Results Participants in the personalised interaction condition displayed significantly more positive attitudes than participants in control group and voice-over conditions.Conclusions Even a brief educational message, combined with a situation of personalised interaction, can influence adults’ attitudes. Generalisation of such an improvement to the outgroup (i.e., people on the spectrum) shall be discussed.