Communication Attitudes of Adolescents Who Stutter: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Stuttering is a fluency disorder that not only disrupts speech flow but also affects emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. Adolescence, a stage marked by heightened peer influence and self-awareness, can intensify these challenges, leading to negative attitudes toward communication. This study aims to assess the communication attitudes of Pakistani adolescents who stutter using the Communication Attitude Test (CAT) and to analyze their emotional and social perceptions related to speaking. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to assess the communication attitudes of adolescents who stutter in Pakistan using the Communication Attitude Test – Form A (CAT). The CAT is a standardized tool consisting of 35 true/false statements that measure an individual’s positive or negative perceptions about their own speech in various communicative contexts such as classroom participation, peer interaction, and conversations with unfamiliar listeners. Results: Participants demonstrated a high frequency of negative communication attitudes, particularly regarding speaking in class, talking to strangers, and being teased. The majority reported that speaking felt difficult and that they avoided verbal participation. These responses suggest a low self-perceived communication ability and increased social withdrawal. A total of 90 adolescents participated in this study. The gender distribution was 46 males (51.1%) and 44 females (48.9%). The age groups were 41 participants (45.6%) aged 11–13 years and 49 participants (54.4%) aged 14–16 years. In terms of education, 36 (40%) were enrolled in Grades 5–7, and 54 (60%) were in Grades 8–10. Conclusion: The CAT revealed consistent negative attitudes in adolescents who stutter in Pakistan. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive intervention plans that address both speech fluency and communication confidence. The CAT is a culturally adaptable and clinically useful tool for speech-language pathologists working in Pakistani settings.