Responses to Item Wording on Stress and Anxiety Scales for Adults With Disabilities

• In Event: Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: Current Topics in Special Education Poster Session

Abstract

This study is an investigation of differences in responses to positively and negatively worded anxiety and stress items for adults with one of six different types of disabilities. Results indicate that persons with mental health and cognitive disabilities that have been matched on responses to positively worded stress and anxiety items are more likely to agree with negatively worded anxiety and stress items than adults not reporting a disability. Similar results were found for adults with mental health or medical health-related disabilities in regard to perceived stress items. Results are intended to inform rehabilitation and counseling professionals regarding potential differences in self-report tendencies for subgroups within their clientele.

Authors

• Ronna L. Turner, University of Arkansas

• Wallace D. Gitchel, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

• Ki Matlock Cole, Oklahoma State University