This study examined coping style and personal responsibility as factors influencing the perceptions of Chinese international students regarding people with physical disabilities. Sixty Chinese international students were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions (optimistic-not responsible, optimistic-responsible, pessimistic-not responsible, and pessimistic-responsible), and then asked to view a videotape of an interview with a Chinese international student in a wheelchair who assumed one of the four roles listed above. After viewing the tape, the students were asked to complete the Semantic Differential Scale and the Subject Rating Scale. The ANCOVA results indicated that the optimistic-not responsible condition resulted in the most positive evaluations, with the optimistic-pessimistic variable being more potent than the responsible-not responsible variable. Implications for clinical practice and rehabilitation program development in Chinese communities are discussed.

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responsibility rating scale controlled study coping behavior disability Chinese Article student attitude