PERSONAL PERCEPTION AND PERCEIVED PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT STUTTERING AMONG CHILDREN AND ADULTS IN KARACHI.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to obtain quantitative data on both
personal perceptions and perceived public opinion about stuttering in order to
identify topics to include in anti-stigma campaigns/programs for stuttering.

Method: Twenty adults living in Karachi, Pakistan completed a
written questionnaire that assessed knowledge about stuttering and attitudes
toward people who stutter (PWS) with questions addressing personal perceptions
(direct questions) and perceived public opinion (indirect questions).

Results: Many participants reported favorable personal perceptions
of PWS regarding their intelligence, competence, and potential for success.
However, most participants did not personally believe PWS were confident, and
most believed they were shy. Perceived public opinion was more unfavorable as a
majority agreed that the public is uncomfortable talking with PWS and that the
public would recommend PWS avoid jobs requiring high speech demands and avoid
talking to large audiences. A minority of participants agreed PWS are perceived
publicly as capable or mentally healthy.

Conclusions: The survey demonstrated misunderstandings and negative perceptions of PWS, especially when measured with perceived public opinion. Results can increase our understanding of content areas that should be included in anti-stigma programs for stuttering and highlight different methods for analyzing public perceptions of stuttering.