Children's Attitudes and Behavioral Intentions Toward a Peer with Tourette Syndrome1

Examined children's ratings of attitudes and behavioral intentions toward a boy presented, on videotape, with or without symptoms of Tourette syndrome (TS). Effects of information about TS on these ratings were investigated as well as the influence of gender and grade. Children in Grades 3 and 5 were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: No TS, TS, or TS/information. On the attitude measure, children rated the peer presented with TS less positively than they did the peer presented without TS. On behavioral intention measures, no significant differences were found between conditions. Information about TS did not affect ratings. Implications of these findings as well as limitations of the study are discussed. KEY WORDS: Toureltc syndrome; attitudes; behavioral intentions. The research literature exploring attitudes toward individuals with Tourette syn-drome (TS) is scant while that on promoting understanding and acceptance of this disorder is virtually nonexistent. This void in the literature assumes special importance when one considers the impact that social interactions have on the development of an individual's self-concept and self-worth. Peer interactions, in particular, shape one's identity through play, skills training, acceptance/support, 'Appreciation is extended to Kathy Pruett and personnel of the Memphis City Schools and to Rober