Parental views of stuttering stigma V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Views of parents of young children who stutter on perceived or anticipated stigma towards stuttering.
IRAS ID
366511
Contact name
Rosie McLean
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Whittington Health NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background: The impact of stuttering is variable for each individual. The literature suggests that for adults who stutter and children from age 10 years, stigma, specifically self-stigma, increases the likelihood of experiencing some negative adverse impact of stuttering, e.g. increased anxiety and decreased social participation. Research about the impact of stigma on younger children and their parents is more limited.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the views of parents of young children who stutter about stigma associated with stuttering. It will explore what impact perceived or anticipated stigma may have on the parent and their child. Parents are key collaborators in therapy for young children who stutter, understanding their views and experiences will increase our knowledge of how to support them through the therapeutic process.
Method: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 12 parents of children who stutter from the UK whose child is under 7 years old at the time of recruitment. Parents will be recruited using purposive and snowballing sampling methods targeting social media groups, charitable organisations, and parents accessing support through the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering. The interviews will be transcribed, and thematic analysis will be used to identify key themes in parent responses.
The results of this study will help to inform the direction of future research around stigma and stuttering, which will support speech and language therapists to effectively support families in therapy.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
26/NS/0005
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jan 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion