Meta-analysis of Influential Factors on Perception toward Stuttering

Abstract

Objectives: A very diverse group of people have negative perception toward stuttering. However previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding influential factors on such perceptions toward stuttering. The primary purpose of the current study was to determine whether there are differences in perceptions toward stuttering according to various factors by meta-analysis.Methods: A total of four databases (two Korean and two English databases) were used for the article search in the current study. A total of 42 articles (33 English, 9 Korean) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in the current study. Effect sizes (Hedge’s g) were calculated for each outcome and combined for meta-analysis.Results: There was a significant difference in the perception toward stuttering according to overall influential factors. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in perception according to familiarity, education, and areas. However, there was no significant difference in perception according to other factors such as gender of the speaker and listener, occupation, age, career year, stuttering acknowledgment and stuttering severity.Conclusion: The meta-analysis results of the current study showed that the perception toward stuttering is stereotypic but can be modified. Furthermore, more intentional and long-term efforts are needed in order to positively change perception toward stuttering.