Abstract
This study utilized the theory of planned behavior to examine individual intentions to engage in gay affirmative practice among aging-focused professionals (N = 83) in the Midwestern United States. Participants completed self-report measures of perceived agency norms and individual attitudes related to the treatment of gay men and lesbians, intentions to provide gay affirmative care, and perceived behavioral control. Attitudes, norms and perceived behavioral control were examined as predictors of intentions; attitudes of individual aging-service professionals emerged as the strongest predictor. Results indicated that affirmative attitudes within the agency may be important in predicting intentions to provide this type of care.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This project was supported by a research award from the Department of Psychological Sciences at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. We thank SAGE Metro-St. Louis for their support and expert advice. We are also grateful to St. Louis Breakthrough Coalition which graciously supports the efforts of area providers invested in caring for older adults in the St. Louis area.