İşverenlerin Kekemeliğe ve Kekemeliği Olan Bireylere Yönelik Tutumu: Tanımlayıcı Araştırma

Abstract

Objective: This study is designed to put forth how stuttering -as a disorder- and people who stutter (PWS) are perceived by employers in Türkiye and reveal attitudes of employers toward PWS in consideration of gender and educational status. The current study also investigates different responses of employers in 5 business areas (health service, education service, factory/company, cafe/restaurant, and store) and the general impression of employers toward PWS and people with a physical disability. Material and Methods: One hundred and eighteen employers from 5 business areas in İzmir were contacted and the data were analyzed by using the convenience sampling method. The Public Opinion Survey of Human AttributesStuttering (POSHA-S) is used as a measuring instrument. POSHA-S samples various beliefs, reactions, behaviors, and emotions that can identify social ignorance, stigmatization, and/or discrimination towards stuttering. Results: Employers consider PWS to be shy, timid, angry, and easily excitable. It has been found that employers have negative attitudes toward PWS, and stuttering is an undesirable quality for employers. No significant difference was found between the 5 business areas, different educational statuses and genders, and similar negative attitudes were observed (p>0.05). Furthermore, employers have more negative attitudes toward PWS than they have toward people with a physical disability. Conclusion: There are similar negative attitudes and stigmatization towards stuttering and PWS by employers regardless of business area, age, gender, and educational status. For this reason, PWS will likely have difficulties in employment and maintaining the job, and this will negatively affect the lives of individuals.