The purpose of this study was to examine the preprofessional stereotypes that may exist between physical (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) students in a master's level program. First and second year students were surveyed to determine if there was a difference in opinion by year of study. I examined each disciplines' knowledge of their own and each other's roles. Subjects: 300 students from Nova Southeastern University were included in the data analysis 193 PT and 107 OT students. Method: The students completed the Health Team Stereotyping Scale (HTSS) in which they assess their own and each other's discipline. Data was analyzed using the Mann Whitney U test. Questions regarding demographics and identification of interventions performed by physical therapists and/or occupational therapists were asked. Results of the HTSS were statistically significant (p Conclusion: The students in each program viewed their profession more positively than they did the other discipline. These results are important as stereotypes can negatively affect professional interactions and, ultimately, influence patient outcomes.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
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