Experiences and Expectations of Adults who Stutter Attending Speech and Language Therapy for Stuttering in Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The role of adults who stutter (AWS) in stuttering treatment has evolved from a passive recipient to an ‘expert’ partner in the collaborative therapeutic process. There is limited understanding of the experiences and expectations of AWS in relation to speech and language therapy for stuttering in the Sri Lanka. OBJECTIVES: The study explored experiences and expectations of adults who stutter attending speech and language therapy for stuttering in Sri Lanka. METHODOLOGY: This study used a generic qualitative approach. Online semi-structured interviews were conducted in Sinhala language via Zoom with 12 AWS recruited from a state university clinic in Sri Lanka. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English language, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were developed from the data: 1) limited awareness of stuttering and its management, 2) impact of stuttering on AWS, 3) experiences of coping with stuttering before attending therapy, and 4) perceptions towards successful management of stuttering. Many participants’ expectation for therapy was to improve fluency. The results indicated contrasting experiences of AWS before and after successful management of stuttering and multiple personal, therapeutic, and social factors that contribute to achieving successful therapeutic outcomes. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the importance of individualized therapy to improve the likelihood of successful therapeutic outcomes. Being absolutely fluent is not a necessary criterion for the successful management of stuttering. The findings highlight the need to promote awareness of stuttering and its management and the profession of speech and language therapy among the Sri Lankan public.