Inclusivity & Modification Attitudes in Collegiate Intramural Sport: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate college students’ inclusivity and openness for modifications made for those with physical disabilities in intramural sport. Participants were 268 students from two midwestern universities. Attitudes toward inclusivity and modification were assessed using the Collegian Attitudes toward Inclusive Recreation (CAICR) Scale. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. Results show that positive attitudes toward inclusivity increased as students got older, and male students were less likely to be inclusive compared to female students. Students majoring in education and human services fields had more positive attitudes toward inclusion than those in arts and sciences fields did. Being a non-traditional student was the only and strongest predictor of less positive attitudes toward modification. Findings demonstrate that students in the two midwestern colleges may have welcoming attitudes toward individuals with physical disabilities in intramural sports; however, they may be less willing to make modifications, particularly among non-traditional students.