The Effects of Disclosure on University Students’ Perceptions of a Person With Aphasia

What is already known on this subject Previous literature revealed that negative listeners' perceptions are common among speakers with communication impairments. Self-disclosure can allow for the empowerment of the individual and increased understanding of the situation for the listener. There is limited research regarding self-disclosure among PWA; however, the research regarding self-disclosure in the field of fluency disorders supports its use to improve listeners' perceptions. What this study adds to existing knowledge This was the first study to evaluate the impact of the source of disclosure (i.e., who exactly is doing the disclosure) on listeners' perceptions of a PWA's speech skills and personality characteristics. Results revealed that there were no significant differences between the other-mediated condition and the no disclosure condition. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? Findings suggest that listeners' perceptions might not improve when another individual discloses for the client; this further supports the use of self-disclosure by PWA when feasible. Clinicians can have a major role in teaching the importance of self-disclosure, as well as facilitating its use of self-disclosure among clients.