Personal care attendants and severely disabled adults: attributions for relationship outcomes

Although the personal care attendant (PCA) is identified as the single most important factor in maintaining the independence, health, and well-being of severely disabled adults (SDA), little research about the nature of the interpersonal relationship has been conducted. This study investigated the mutual perceptions of the SDAs and their PCAs of the outcome of their relationship and factors that promoted the outcome. Attribution theory was used to shape the study and guide analysis of the data. The majority of subjects reported mutually successful and satisfying relationships, and most attributed the outcome to their mutual ability, effort, or personal characteristics.