Epilepsy and prejudice: the dimensionality of stereotypes towards epileptics

Previous investigations (cross-sectional and time series studies) to conditional structures of heterostereotypes toward epileptics are mainly based on the interview schedule of Caveness (1949). This item pool seems insufficient to parametrisize the horizon of attitudes toward epileptic persons. Antonak and Rankin (1981, 1982) found a higher degree of dimensionality of stereotypes by application of their ATPE scale (Attitudes toward persons with epilepsy). Therefore, studying the complex interaction of attitudes and knowledge about epileptics, we presented an adapted and translated German version of the ATPE to a sample of 372 volunteers. The dimensional decomposition of the 32 items resulted in five factors: 1. attitudes regarding education and social integration (EDUCINT), 2. attitudes regarding working behaviour (WORK), 3. negative attitudes regarding reproductive behaviour (REPR), 4. open discrimination (DISC), 5. passive tolerance (PASTOL). Variance analytical investigations showed a complex pattern of stereotypes in the sample in relation to sociodemographic background parameters.