Expectations of Maltese people who stutter regarding interactions with non-stutterers

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the expectations of Maltese adults who stutter (AWS) regarding interaction with non-stutterers and delve into their life experiences. Moreover, this study aimed to identify whether the perceptions of Maltese AWS vary between those of Lebanon, the USA, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. The perceptions of AWS in Lebanon, the USA, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic were identified through the study of St. Louis et al. (2019). For this reason, this study is a replication of an international study involving various countries. This study used the Personal Appraisal of Support for Stuttering – Adult (PASS-Ad) (St. Louis, 2015), a questionnaire that explores the support participants have received hitherto in their lives or that which they prefer in relation to their stuttering. The questionnaire was administered to 17 AWS, aged 18 years and over. Statistical analysis of the quantitative data was carried out to identify the perceived support and expectations of AWS and whether these varied from five other countries. The use of strategies that can be used by nonstutterers to make the person who stutters more comfortable during interaction were highlighted in this study. Strategies that are not perceived as supportive and that non-stutterers should avoid during interaction with people who stutter (PWS) were also highlighted. Moreover, special attention to potentially supported activities for PWS was drawn. These findings are comparable with what was outlined in the current literature and also to the study of St. Louis et al. (2019). This study emphasizes the need for more public awareness to inform the general public about stuttering and educate the public on how to interact better with PWS. Public awareness also provides an improved environment and increased support for PWS.