This project focuses on stuttering intervention from the viewpoints of adults who stutter. By working with advisors who stutter at every stage of the project, the aim is to produce research findings that are more relevant to the priorities and needs of people who stutter.
Researchers
Research background
Stuttering/stammering affects around one in every hundred adults, and can have significant impacts on people’s lives. Stuttering intervention aims to stimulate helpful changes in one or more areas related to living with stammering, but research evidence shows that there is no “one size fits all” approach, and individualised programmes are important. Unintended harm is also possible.
Many intervention studies focus on measuring visible speech behaviours or anxiety, although these are just two possible aspects of experiencing stuttering. Research that asks adults who stutter about their wider experience of intervention is usually focused on a specific programme or a component of clinical practice, and research questions are chosen by academic researchers and speech and language therapists, who may or may not stutter themselves.
This PhD research project seeks to understand views of adults who stutter about stuttering intervention based on their own priorities. There is a strong focus throughout on consultation and collaboration with advisors who know about stuttering from personal experience, so that the voices of adults who stammer/stutter are given priority.
If you would like to find out more, or if you or someone you know has experienced being an adult who stammers and might like to get involved, please email barbara.moseleyharris@mail.bcu.ac.uk for more information.