The purpose of this study was to determine laypeople’s knowledge and awareness of stuttering in Japan. Although around half of the respondents had heard or met a stutterer, they tended to misunderstand the stuttering; e.g., respondents estimated the prevalence of stuttering as high. Knowledge also differed according to age, gender, and education level. Specifically, older individuals, females, and individuals with higher levels of education tended to have greater knowledge of stuttering. In comparing the results of the present study with similar studies conducted in Belgium, China, and Brazil, we observed several similarities and differences. Although most respondents were to some extent familiar with stuttering, their overall knowledge of the condition was limited. Certain factors could be involved in having knowledge of stuttering, such as one’s life experience, cultural background, and social attitudes toward stuttering. The findings suggest the need for growing knowledge and awareness of stuttering. #stuttering
Limura, Daichi, Yada, Yasuto, Imaizume, Kazuya, Tekeuchi, Toshimitsu, Miyawaki, Manami, and VanBorsel, John. (2018). Public awareness and knowledge of stuttering in Japan. Journal of Communication Disorders, 72, 136-145 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2018.02.002
[stuttering, awareness, public opinion, Japan]
http://rickywburk.org
http://facebook.com/rickywburk/speech
@rickywburk
http://linkedin.com/in/rickywburk
