Constraints on the participation of individuals with mental retardation in mainstream recreation

A questionnaire was designed to investigate the influence of skill level, behavioral characteristics, and labeling upon attitudes toward the participation of individuals with mental retardation in a recreation activity. The respondents were 320 members of 12 private tennis clubs. High multiple correlations between the predictor variables, attitude toward the behavior, and subjective norm, with behavioral intention supported the model of the theory of reasoned action. Attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions toward individuals with mental retardation were favorable regardless of the label assigned and perceived skill level. Perceived behavior of the target person, rather than skill level and label, was the more salient influence upon attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intentions.