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Cross-cultural attitudes toward speech disorders
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Cultural beliefs significantly impact perceptions of speech disorders, affecting views on emotional well-being and self-improvement potential for individuals with speech impairments.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Communication Disorders
Background:
- Multicultural populations present unique challenges for speech-language pathologists due to diverse cultural beliefs.
- Understanding these beliefs is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment of speech disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cultural differences in attitudes toward specific speech disorders.
- To examine beliefs about the emotional health and self-efficacy of individuals with speech disorders across cultures.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 166 university students from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Participants represented North American, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and Hispanic cultures.
- Attitudes toward cleft palate, dysfluency, hearing impairment, and misarticulations were assessed.
Main Results:
- Significant group differences were found in beliefs about the emotional health of persons with speech disorders.
- Cultural variations emerged regarding the perceived ability of speech-disordered individuals to modify their own speech.
- Attitudes differed notably between English-speaking North American students and other cultural groups.
Conclusions:
- Cultural background significantly influences perceptions of speech disorders and their associated characteristics.
- Speech-language pathologists must consider cultural beliefs when working with diverse populations.
- Further research is needed to explore the nuances of cultural attitudes toward communication disorders.