Perception of Stuttering in Individuals With Stuttering

Stuttering is a puzzling disorder which involves voluntary repetition, prolongation along with blocking and other interruptions to the flow of speech. Stuttering impacts on quality of life of individuals with difficulties in overall social behavior and performance. The present study focuses on perception of stuttering by individual with stuttering and their experiences toward their stuttering among family and society. The present study was carried out in two phases. Phase 1 included the development of questionnaire and phase 2 incorporated the administration of questionnaire and analysis of the results. Total of 20 participants (16 males and 4 females) between the age ranges of 15-50 years (SD = 8.33) were included in the study. The results of present study consisted of perception of the individual with stuttering, their family members and other people regarding the probable cause, effects and treatment of stuttering. The causes were than categorized into psychological, superstitious, genetic, physiological and unknown. Likewise the treatment was categorized into speech therapy, medical treatment, self management strategies, superstitious beliefs and unknown. Many of the participants, their family members and other people had inappropriate, irrational and superstitious believes about the cause and treatment of stuttering due to which they faced many difficulties in their life. Hence from this study we conclude that there is requirement of awareness regarding the etiologies of stuttering and its consequences in hazarding the quality of life. It was also observed the urgent need of awareness regarding the speech therapy and its beneficial outcome in enhancing the fluency of individuals with stuttering, therefore, avoiding the consequence of the condition in their life.