Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.31299/hrri.57.1.5
Everyday challenges and perspectives of women who stutter
Ana Leko Krhen
; Department of Speech and Language Pathology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marina Milić Babić
orcid.org/0000-0002-2310-641X
; Faculty of Law, Social Work Study Centre, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Maja Horovskij
; Home for the Elderly Skupnjak, Sv. Ivan Zelina
Abstract
This study aimed to provide insights into the everyday life experiences of women who stutter based on data collected from six female participants. The average age of the participants was 29 years, they lived in an urban area, and had completed higher education studies. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and a short questionnaire about socio-demographic factors. Qualitative content analysis was used to process the data collected in the interviews. The results indicated a correlation between the personal attributes of women who stutter and their experiences in the context of work and employment. These participants believed that personality traits were linked to outcomes related to employment or promotions. They also highlighted specific experiences involving the fear of being mocked, especially during public speaking, as well as the fear of their stutter having a negative impact on their professional activities. In their personal lives, the participants reported receiving support from their partners and families, as well as their colleagues in academic and professional environments. Our results offer an insight into the specific experiences of adult women who stutter, and reveal the circumstances that cause fear or additional difficulties among these women. These results must be taken into consideration while developing a support system for people who stutter.
Keywords
women; stuttering; support; personal life; professional life; speech therapy
Hrčak ID:
259277
URI
Publication date:
24.6.2021.
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