Predicting intentions of community residents toward neighbors with psychiatric disabilities.

The present study tested an explanatory model of neighboring intentions of community residents toward persons with psychiatric disabilities in the community derived from Ajzen and Fishbein’s (1980) theory of reasoned action. A mail survey was conducted on a representative sample of community residents living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Using vignettes to vary the characteristics of place of residence, severity of psychiatric disability, and sex, respondents were asked about their beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral intentions regarding having social contact with a hypothetical neighbor. Overall, results supported the proposed model. Of neighbor characteristics, level of disability was the strongest predictor of community residents’ intentions toward neighbors with psychiatric disabilities. Living in a specialized housing program for persons with psychiatric disabilities appeared to be a subtle barrier to achieving full acceptance as a neighbor. Implications of the findings for psychiatric rehabilitation are discussed.