Why do people who stutter attend stuttering support groups?

Abstract

Background: Stuttering support groups (SSGs) are a known, invaluable resource for people who stutter (PWS). General support groups have been well researched, however, research specifically into SSGs is only emerging. Further insight is needed to guide speech-language therapists’ (SLTs) facilitation of SSGs.

Objective: This research is aimed at determining PWS’ perspectives regarding why they attend SSGs in Gauteng, South Africa.

Method: Thirteen PWS, between 20-58 years old, who attend SSGs were selected purposively. Their perspectives on SSGs were obtained during semi-structured telephonic interviews and analysed thematically which yielded clinical implications.

Results and Discussion: Four themes; “altered perceptions”, “increased sense of community”, “support group reciprocity” and “support group environment, participants and topics”, were identified. SSGs helped PWS accept their stutter and gain confidence. Clinical implications identified included SLTs encouraging; (1) positive perceptions through education, self-empowerment, sharing success stories, and ways to elicit positive listener reactions, (2) connections between meetings to increase the sense of community, (3) reciprocity in meetings, (4) sharing personal stories to promote learning and self-management, and (5) support, praise and education to empower and encourage PWS. SLTs can encourage equal contributions from willing participants without pressuring others. Disfluency and emotional support should be equally discussed in SSGs.

Conclusion: These perspectives of PWS were used to provide recommendations to SLTs of ways to better meet the needs of PWS who attend SSGs. Recommendations included focusing discussions on fluency and emotions and sharing personal stories. Insights from PWS also helped better inform SLTs of their role within SSGs including guiding conversations and facilitating conversations that foster deeper understanding.