Influence of Marital and Parental Status on Public Reactions to Stuttering in Chile: A Socio-Demographic Study

Stuttering is a communication disorder that significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. This study examines public reactions towards stuttering within the Latin American context, specifically in Chile, using the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering. Data were collected from 400 adults, revealing that married individuals and parents exhibit heightened sensitivity and concern towards stuttering, especially regarding close family members. For instance, 56.86% of married respondents expressed worry about a stuttering sibling, contrasting sharply with only 27.18% of single respondents. Moreover, parents were notably anxious about stuttering in their family. This study underscores the significant role of marital status and parental responsibilities in shaping public attitudes towards stuttering. Additionally, it emphasizes the influence of family-centric values, advocating for the need for comprehensive educational initiatives to combat prevailing stigma towards individuals with stuttering.