Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
Persistent Developmental Stuttering (PDS) affects about 1% of the world's adult population across all cultures and social classes (Buchel & Sommer, 2004). Stigma, especially around stuttering, can be perpetrated in many ways. There has been and continues to be a strong connection between stuttering in mainstream media and negative characteristics such as lack of intelligence, nervousness, or lack of social skills. This study investigates the source of negative social stigma and possible methods to reduce negative stigma. Participants joined in an empirically-based survey meant to analyze thoughts and beliefs on stuttering and the origin of those beliefs. The results are analyzed using a paired T-test to determine if interpersonal contact and education effectively reduce stigma regarding stuttering. Determining an effective way to reduce the negative stigma around stuttering can be used in other areas of healthcare and increase the quality of life for people who stutter by decreasing adverse effects such as higher anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem.
Publication Date
5-1-2022
Language
English
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Abasi, Christine Hekmat, "THE SCIENCE BEHIND STUTTERING: REDUCING STIGMA AND PUBLIC MISCONCEPTIONS" (2022). 2022 Spring Honors Capstone Projects. 56.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/honors_spring2022/56