Year: 2015
Type: article
Abstract: Stuttering is a communication disorder that can impact a person's life.The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore the impact of stuttering on quality of life (QOL), and the differences between the beliefs of people who stutter (PWS) and the speech-language pathologist (SLP) regarding this issue.Individual experiences were obtained through the process of open-ended interviews with six PWS, and six SLPs who work with PWS.Major recurring themes included: 1) restriction, 2) identity, 3) positivity, 4) control, and 5) therapy impact.Similar beliefs were shared among individuals in both groups of participants, and were reflected in additional minor themes including therapy impact on QOL, physical impact, empowerment, acceptance, authenticity, and restriction regarding occupation and personal relationships.Different beliefs were also identified between individuals in both groups of participants, and were reflected in minor themes regarding happiness, unpredictability, avoidance, responsibility, good and bad therapy, advocacy, the individual, and restriction of education.Further research is recommended to continue the process of understanding the similarities and differences between how PWS and SLPs believe QOL should be involved in therapeutic practices.the completion of my graduate thesis.I'd like to also thank Dr. Stephanie Hughes for her help throughout my academic career and for her time and commitment as a clinical supervisor.Thank you to Dr. Chris Roseman for his valuable insight from a mental health perspective, and thanks to Mrs. Glassman for jumping at the opportunity to be a part of this study.I'd like to thank my father and my mother for being good listeners.Also, a special thank you to Ryan, Anna, and Alison -I would not be where I am
Author: Emily Figliomeni
Institution: University of Toledo
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2513842734