Speech-Language Therapy Experiences Across the Life Span of an Individual Who Covertly Stutters: A Thematic Analysis

Autor: Catherine Kennedy, Kaitlyn Smith, Jill E. Douglass
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups. 5:1441-1453
ISSN: 2381-473X
2381-4764
Popis: Purpose The current research study investigates the speech therapy experiences of an individual who covertly stuttered for approximately 40 years; at the time of the interview, she was in her mid-40s. Method The single-case study is a qualitative thematic analysis of the speech therapy experiences of one individual across her life span. In addition to her stuttering, the participant lives with a significant primary diagnosis that she has had since birth, which impacts her activities in daily living. Interview questions were open-ended and conducted via Skype. The interview was transcribed, and a thematic analysis of the recorded transcripts was conducted to investigate her experiences in speech therapy as an individual who covertly stutters. Findings The current findings reveal five major themes regarding the speech therapy experiences of an individual who covertly stutters: (a) nonindividualized treatment and goals, (b) blaming and shaming associated with speech therapy and stuttering, (c) positive self-regard during speech therapy attendance, (d) the use of avoidance strategies and relation to speech therapy, and (e) the evolution of therapy goals. Direct quotations from the participant are used to support these themes. Discussion The significant impact of covert stuttering on an individual is discussed. Results from the participant's experiences indicate an essential need to conduct individualized speech therapy for people who stutter. Speech-language pathologists and others working with persons who stutter maintain a responsibility to recognize the role that case history and counseling play in order to appropriately serve people who covertly stutter.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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