Attitudes of Multilingual Individuals Toward Stuttering and Cluttering: Evidence from University Foreign Language Majors

BACKGROUND: This study assessed multilingual individuals' attitudes toward stuttering and cluttering, using Chinese university foreign language majors as a sample. It employed the standardized Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Stuttering (POSHA-S) and the Public Opinion Survey of Human Attributes-Cluttering (POSHA-Cl). It further examined whether multilingual background and survey format influenced participants' attitudes. METHODS: A total of 222 foreign language majors from three northeastern Chinese universities participated. Each university's cohort was randomly assigned to complete either the POSHA-S, POSHA-Cl, or a combined version of the instrument. The questionnaires, validated in Simplified Chinese, assessed participants' attitudes toward stuttering and cluttering by measuring domains such as beliefs and self reactions. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and group comparisons, referencing published data from other Chinese student groups and international databases. RESULTS: Conclusion: Multilingual education alone did not foster greater acceptance of communicative diversity; broader cultural and educational factors, such as societal emphasis on standard language and limited exposure to neurodiversity, were more influential. The findings highlight the need for targeted education and greater inclusion of neurodiversity concepts in higher education to reduce stigma and promote acceptance.