Coping with a child who stutters: A phenomenological analysis

Qualitative methods were used in the form of a phenomenological analysis to explore how families cope with having a child who stutters. Twelve participants, 2 men and 10 women, who have children who stutter participated in this study. The participants were asked to consider their experiences with being the parent of a child who stutters. Analysis of these data resulted in 3 primary categories. The results indicate that parents experience and cope with stresses associated with being the parent of a child who stutters. The participants described feelings of uncertainty and concern as well as the desire to do what is best for their children. Results highlight the importance of providing information and avenues of support that will help parents more effectively cope with having a child who stutters.Educational objectives: The reader will be able to: (a) describe, from the perspective of a parent of a child who stutters, the themes associated with the process of coping with a child who stutters, (b) describe types of coping resources, (c) describe the factors that influence the choice to use emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies, and (d) describe four specific areas to consider when providing resources for families of children who stutter.     

Client perceptions of effective and ineffective therapeutic alliances during treatment for stuttering

The treatment components that contribute to and account for successful therapeutic outcomes for people who stutter are not well understood and are debated by many. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe in detail the underlying factors that contribute to a successful or unsuccessful therapeutic interaction between clients and their clinicians. Twenty-eight participants, 19 men and 9 women, who had received from 6 months to more than 12 years of therapy for stuttering were studied. The participants were asked to consider their experience with one or more speech-language pathologists with whom they had received fluency therapy and to describe the characteristics that made that individual effective or ineffective in promoting successful change in their ability to communicate. Analysis of these data resulted in 15 primary categories. Finally, the essential structure of an effective and ineffective therapeutic interaction was described. Results highlighted the importance for effective therapy of understanding the stuttering experience, forming a positive client-clinician, alliance, and being knowledgeable about stuttering and its treatment. Educational objectives: The reader will be able to: (1) describe, from the perspective of a select group of adults who stutter, the themes associated with an effective therapeutic interaction, (2) describe, from the perspective of a select group of adults who stutter, the themes associated with an ineffective therapeutic interaction, and (3) describe the ways in which an effective or ineffective therapeutic interaction could impact a person who stutters.     

A phenomenological understanding of successful stuttering management

The purpose of this investigation was to understand, from the perspective of the speaker, how seven adults have been able to successfully manage their stuttering. Individual experiences were obtained across the three temporal stages (past, transitional, and current). Recurring themes were identified across participants in order to develop an essential structure of the phenomena at each stage. The ability to make the transition from unsuccessful to successful management of stuttering was associated with six recurring themes of: (1) support, (2) successful therapy, (3) self therapy and behavioral change, (4) cognitive change, (5) utilization of personal experience, and (6) high levels of motivation/determination. Six recurring themes associated with past experiences, when stuttering was unsuccessfully managed, included: (1) gradual awareness, (2) negative reactions of listeners, (3) negative emotions, (4) restrictive lifestyle, (5) avoidance, and (6) inadequate therapy. The five recurring themes identified for the current situation where stuttering continues to be successfully managed were: (1) continued management, (2) self acceptance and fear reduction, (3) unrestricted interactions, (4) sense of freedom, (5) and optimism. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The reader will be able to: (1) describe, from the prospective of a select group of adults who stutter, the recurring themes associated with both unsuccessful and successful management of stuttering, (2) explain the recurring themes associated with how this group of seven adults achieved successful management of their stuttering, and (3) discuss the basic rationale and procedures associated with phenomenological analysis.