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Digital Inequality and Internet Self-Efficacy in Adults With Intellectual Disability: Motivational, Demographic and
Sarah Glencross1, Jonathan Mason2
1University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia.
Background:
Adults with intellectual disability face multiple barriers to digital participation, yet limited research has examined how motivational and demographic factors interact to influence internet self-efficacy.
Method:
Structured interviews were conducted with 96 adults with mild or moderate intellectual disability and 49 adults without intellectual disability across urban and regional locations in Australia. Internet self-efficacy, attitudes and behavioural beliefs were assessed using adapted measures informed by the Theory of Planned Behaviour.
Results:
Participants with intellectual disability had significantly lower internet self-efficacy than their peers, particularly those who were older, lived in regional areas or lacked professional support. Motivational variables predicted a small proportion of self-efficacy variance for participants with intellectual disability and a larger proportion for the comparison group.
Conclusions:
Findings suggest digital inequality among people with intellectual disability is shaped by contextual and motivational factors. Support programmes informed by behavioural theory may help increase digital confidence and online engagement.
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