Changes in attitudes towards self, career and women's roles among occupational therapy students, 1976–1986

A survey comparing backgrounds, career attitudes, sex‐role attitudes and self‐concepts of incoming female occupational therapy students in 1976 (N = 99) and 1986 (N = 118) was conducted in 1986. The 1986 students were more ambitious, more committed to full‐time careers, and attached more importance to professional recognition, respect and friendliness from coworkers, job security and promotion opportunities as well as chances to accomplish something worthwhile. Accompanying these career attitudes were more liberated and egalitarian attitudes toward women and more positive and androgynous self‐concepts. 1987 Occupational Therapy Australia Limited