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.
Research aims
The aim of Study One is to identify topics and questions about intervention that adults who stutter view as relevant and important areas for research. This will help us understand which questions stuttering intervention researchers could and should be asking.
Later studies will select a question or topic identified by adults who stutter in Study One, and explore this in greater detail.
An overarching aim of the project is involving adults who stutter in as many aspects of the research process as possible.
Research methods
A Project Advisory Group of adults who stutter was recruited in 2023. Advisors used their knowledge and lived experience to provide insights, advice and support to develop our first study (see below) and support the Research Ethics application process. Advisors helped to refine and expand the study's research questions, aims, and methods, and will continue to be involved during active research.
Research outcomes
Working with people with “lived experience” of a situation supports better quality research that is more relevant to the people most affected. We hope to identify and answer research questions that matter to adults who stutter.