Stigma and the Hispanic Stuttering Experience: A Qualitative Study

Authors

Leslee Dean, Florida International UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Speech-Language Pathology

First Advisor's Name

Angela Medina

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee chair

Second Advisor's Name

Alliete Alfano

Second Advisor's Committee Title

Committee member

Third Advisor's Name

Monica Hough

Third Advisor's Committee Title

committee member

Keywords

fluency, stigma, bilingual, Hispanic, stuttering

Date of Defense

6-24-2020

Abstract

The stigmatization of stuttering has profound effects on the education, employment, and mental health of people who stutter. While there is a large body of research into the impact of stuttering stigma, few studies have considered the effects of cultural differences. The purpose of this study is to provide an in-depth analysis of how Hispanic adults who stutter experience stigma. To do so, seven Hispanic/Latino adults who stutter were interviewed using ethnographic interviewing techniques. A thematic analysis of participants’ narrative responses gave rise to four major themes: Family, Stigma in Society, Stuttering Experiences in Cultural and Linguistic Contexts, and Stigma’s Impact on Identity. Findings indicate that Hispanic adults who stutter experience stigma in unique ways that affect their language use, cultural participation, and identity. An understanding of these cultural and linguistic factors will allow clinicians to develop a more nuanced and effective approach when treating Hispanic adults who stutter.

Identifier

FIDC009029

Recommended Citation

Dean, Leslee, "Stigma and the Hispanic Stuttering Experience: A Qualitative Study" (2020). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 4491.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/4491