Comparing and Predicting Public Attitudes Toward Stuttering, Obesity, and Mental Illness

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2023-2038
Author(s):  
Kenneth O. St. Louis

Purpose Extensive research on public attitudes has documented stigma toward stuttering, obesity, and mental illness; however, most studies have focused on only one of these conditions. This study sought to compare public attitudes toward stuttering, obesity, and mental illness as well as to identify the predictive potential of four ratings relating to these and other neutral or desirable conditions. Method Five hundred respondents who were selected from each of three international databases filled out the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes (POSHA) for stuttering, obesity, or mental illness. The POSHA surveys were as similar as possible, and all contained four general items asking respondents' “impression” of the attribute, extent to which he or she “wants to be/have” that attribute, “amount known” about the attribute, and “persons known” who manifest the attribute, for stuttering, obesity, and mental illness plus two others, namely, left-handedness and intelligence. The POSHA surveys also had the same summary scores, Beliefs, Self-Reactions, and an Overall Score. Results Summary scores for the three POSHA surveys in the 500-respondent samples revealed negative attitudes toward all three conditions, the most positive being toward obesity, followed by stuttering and then by mental illness. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that various general items had significant prediction potential not only of attitudes for the same condition but also of attitudes for other conditions. The greatest other condition predictions were between stuttering and mental illness. Conclusions Stuttering is regarded as less stigmatizing than mental illness but more stigmatizing than obesity. Additionally, positivity toward one condition results in limited positivity toward the others. Impressions and knowledge of—as well as experience with—stigmatized conditions can inform public awareness campaigns and individual clinical programs dealing with stigma. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12860939

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 503-511
Author(s):  
H. Haryani ◽  
Chu. S.Y ◽  
Yaruss. J. S. ◽  
McConnell G. ◽  
Ali. M. M.

Background/Objective: Limited information is available about public attitudes towards stuttering across Asia. This review considers the key factors and approaches used to measure public attitudes towards stuttering across Asia that have previously been published in order to identify potential research gaps. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) framework. Results: A total of nine relevant articles, published between 2001 to 2019, were selected for review. Most of the studies used the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes (POSHA) as a survey tool. This review yielded studies from Turkey, Kuwait, China/Hong Kong, and Japan. Asian public attitudes towards stuttering were less positive in general, except in Kuwait. Conclusion: Given that limited research has focused on examining the attitudes towards stuttering among the general public in the Asian region, we call for international collaboration to increase research about public attitudes. Such data could assist speech-language pathologists in developing awareness campaigns for better intervention and increased acceptance of individuals who stutter.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Bhugra ◽  
N. Sartorius ◽  
A. Fiorillo ◽  
S. Evans-Lacko ◽  
A. Ventriglio ◽  
...  

AbstractStigma against mental illness and the mentally ill is well known. However, stigma against psychiatrists and mental health professionals is known but not discussed widely. Public attitudes and also those of other professionals affect recruitment into psychiatry and mental health services. The reasons for this discriminatory attitude are many and often not dissimilar to those held against mentally ill individuals. In this Guidance paper we present some of the factors affecting the image of psychiatry and psychiatrists which is perceived by the public at large. We look at the portrayal of psychiatry, psychiatrists in the media and literature which may affect attitudes. We also explore potential causes and explanations and propose some strategies in dealing with negative attitudes. Reduction in negative attitudes will improve recruitment and retention in psychiatry. We recommend that national psychiatric societies and other stakeholders, including patients, their families and carers, have a major and significant role to play in dealing with stigma, discrimination and prejudice against psychiatry and psychiatrists.


1986 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 431-433 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Matas ◽  
N. El-Guebaly ◽  
D. Harper ◽  
M. Green ◽  
A. Peterkin

The public image of psychiatry has been tarnished in recent years. In order to determine the extent to which press coverage has contributed to negative attitudes towards psychiatry, we conducted a content analysis of a random selection of newspaper articles which appeared over a twenty-year period in two different newspapers. We found that although there had been some minor, cosmetic changes over the years, such as more appropriate headlines and more direct quotes from psychiatric experts, on the whole, content and attitudes had changed very little. An accuracy check of media reporting of forensic cases over a 20-year period revealed that when reporters have access to written material, the accuracy levels are greatly improved.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-71
Author(s):  
Mateja Vuk ◽  
Dalibor Doležal ◽  
Ena Jovanović

Minority threat theory and existing research show that public attitudes towards certain types of offenders (e.g. ethnic and racial minorities) are often more punitive. Research also reveals that a significant proportion of the public associates the increase of immigration with higher crime rates. Negative attitudes, as well as an overall anti-immigration sentiment, have been increasing internationally. Therefore, we hypothesise that the public will have more negative and punitive attitudes towards immigrant offenders than towards citizens. Using a sample of students from the University of Zagreb, this research tested the above-mentioned hypothesis and explored whether factors like immigration status, ethnic identity, type of offense, and the age of the hypothetical offender impact student attitude on immigrant crime. To test this proposition, we used online surveys with factorial vignettes. The results show that participants ask for harsher sentences for undocumented immigrants, but immigrant status and the national origin of the immigrant are not associated with the perception of recidivism, dangerousness, or criminal typicality of offender.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001120
Author(s):  
Matthew Evison ◽  
Sarah Taylor ◽  
Seamus Grundy ◽  
Anna Perkins ◽  
Michael Peake

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on outcomes in lung cancer leading to later stage presentation, less curative treatment and higher mortality. This has amplified the existing problem of late-stage presentation in lung cancer and is a call to arms for a multifaceted strategy to address this, including public awareness campaigns to promote healthcare review in patients with persistent chest symptoms. We report the learning from patient and public insight work from across the North of England exploring the barriers to seeking healthcare review with persistent chest symptoms. Members of the public described how a lack of importance is placed on the common symptoms of lung cancer and a feeling of being unworthy of review by healthcare professionals. They would feel motivated to seek review by dispelling the nihilism of lung cancer and would be able to take action more easily by removing the logistical hassle in the process. We propose a four-pillar framework (validation–endorsement–motivation–action) for developing the content of any public awareness campaigns promoting early diagnosis of lung cancer based on the findings of this comprehensive insight work. All providers and commissioners must work together to overcome the perceived and real barriers to patients with persistent chest symptoms.


Author(s):  
Mohammad Hamed Patmal ◽  
Habiburrahman Shiran

This research investigates the factors that potentially affect public attitudes and their adoption of renewable energy technologies for electrical energy production in Afghanistan. The study is carried out with a survey from Kabul and its neighboring provinces including Logar, Maidan Wardak, Nangarhar, Ghazni, Parwan & Kapisa provinces. We used a random sampling process to collect data using a web-based questionnaire. The survey was well designed to highlight conveniently the public understanding, willingness, and attitudes toward adopting renewable energy technologies (RETs). The outcome of the survey is then evaluated to discover the most potential factor affecting public acceptance of RETs. The results declared that the educational level, expertise in RETs, and income of respondents are positively related, while the age of respondents is negatively related to the public willingness on the use and investment in RETs. The majority of respondents have used one type of RETs, however, 23 % of respondents have not used any type of RETs. Study shows that the RETs use and access to grid electricity are reversely related, where the access is lower, the RETs use is higher and vice versa. Most of the respondents were not well informed and most disagreed with the government policies on RETs, therefore, public awareness programs on RETs and government policies are recommended. The majority of respondents were willing to invest in RETs, therefore, the government should commit itself and support private sectors to invest in RETs and take part in its development.


2014 ◽  
Vol 50 ◽  
pp. 36-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth O. St. Louis ◽  
Mandy J. Williams ◽  
Mercedes B. Ware ◽  
Jacqueline Guendouzi ◽  
Isabella K. Reichel

Author(s):  
Wentzel C. Coetzer ◽  
Pieter Du P. Van Niekerk

A survey on attitudes towards hunting was conducted amongst the economically active public in Port Elizabeth during 2009. The aim was to identify and investigate factors influencing public attitudes towards hunting. Hunting has become an essential part of conservation and wildlife management on game farms. Negative attitudes towards hunting within the larger society have become a threat to the hunting industry, which in turn may jeopardise conservation and the effective management of game. This social threat was investigated by conducting a survey amongst a statistically representative sample of the economically active public in Port Elizabeth. Two sampling procedures, namely simple random sampling and proportional stratified sampling, were followed to ensure that a statistically representative sample was obtained. Self-administered questionnaires were used as the survey instrument. A total of 384 questionnaires were completed. Various factors influencing public attitudes towards hunting were identified and investigated, and it was found that the extent to which a person has been exposed to hunting, as well as a person’s social ties have a significant influence on attitudes towards hunting. Furthermore, negative attitudes towards hunting amongst the public are based on misconceptions regarding hunting. The perception that hunting is not an important part of wildlife management as well as the belief that hunting endangers wildlife are largely responsible for provoking negative attitudes towards hunting. Incorrect perceptions regarding hunting need to be addressed by educating the public about wildlife and the importance of hunting in the management of wildlife on game farms and privately owned land. The public also needs to be convinced that the primary motivation for hunting is based on wildlife management considerations and ecological concerns.


Author(s):  
Mary E. Weidner ◽  
Kenneth O. St. Louis ◽  
Egemen Nakisci ◽  
Ramazan S. Ozdemir

Background and objectives: Extensive research documents ubiquitous negative attitudes towards stuttering, but when and how they develop is unclear. This non-experimental, comparative study examined US and Turkish preschoolers to explore the origin of stuttering attitudes cross-culturally.Method: The authors compared stuttering attitudes of 28 US and 31 Turkish non-stuttering preschoolers on English and Turkish versions of experimental prototypes of the newly developed Public Opinion Survey on Human Attributes–Stuttering/Child (POSHA–S/Child). Children first watched a short video of two stuttering avatar characters and then answered oral questions about stuttering. Parents completed a demographic questionnaire. Differences in the US and Turkish POSHA–S/Child means were calculated using the Mann–Whitney U test.Results: Attitudes of the US and Turkish children were remarkably similar. Children rated most of the items negatively but also rated some items as neutral or positive. They held relatively more negative attitudes towards traits and personalities of children who stutter yet relatively more positive attitudes towards stuttering children’s potential.Conclusion: Stuttering attitudes in children appear to be partly independent of culture.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleanor MacPherson ◽  
Joanna Reynolds ◽  
Esnart Sanudi ◽  
Alexander Nkaombe ◽  
John Mankhomwa ◽  
...  

Drug resistant infections are increasing across the world and urgent action is required to preserve current classes of antibiotics. Antibiotic use practices in low-and-middle-income countries have gained international attention, especially as antibiotics are often accessed beyond the formal health system. Public awareness campaigns have gained popularity, often conceptualising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as a problem of excess, precipitated by irrational behaviour. Insufficient attention has been paid to people’s lived experiences of accessing medicines in low-income contexts. In Chikwawa District, Malawi, a place of extreme scarcity, our study aimed to understand the care and medicine use practices of households dependent on subsistence farming. Adopting an anthropological approach, we undertook medicine interviews (100), ethnographic fieldwork (six-month period) and key informant interviews (33) with a range of participants in two villages in rural Chikwawa. The most frequently used drugs were cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin, not considered to be of critical importance to human health. Participants recognised that keeping, sharing, and buying medicines informally was not the “right thing.” However, they described using antibiotics and other medicines in these ways due to conditions of extreme precarity, the costs and limitations of seeking formal care in the public sector, and the inevitability of future illness. Our findings emphasise the need in contexts of extreme scarcity to equip policy actors with interventions to address AMR through strengthening health systems, rather than public awareness campaigns that foreground overuse and the dangers of using antibiotics beyond the formal sector.


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