The role of self-stigma in developmental stuttering: a cross-cultural perspective

Background
Recently, Boyle (2015) has applied a model of self-stigma to developmental stuttering. According to this model, individuals who stutter become aware that they are stigmatized by others; they next begin to agree with these negative attitudes and apply this stigma to themselves; finally, as a result, they experience psychological harm including poorer psychological health and quality of life, and reduced social participation.
According to this model, attitudes of others play an important role in the emergence of self-stigma and are therefore indirectly responsible for the negative consequences of stuttering. Much of the evidence concerning attitudes of others to stuttering comes from Western cultures (see, for example, Abdalla & St Louis, 2012). Candidates will examine some or all of the following research questions: How do attitudes to stuttering vary across cultures? What are the implications of these attitudes for self-stigma in people who stutter? How does self-stigma affect recovery?

Objectives
The student will:
a. Develop a research proposal, appropriate to their own research interests and experience, around the issues outlined above, including specific research questions and hypotheses
b. Carry out a systematic review of the relevant literature
c. Design and carry out a study to investigate the research questions developed under a. above
d. Engage in relevant training in research skills and personal and professional development
e. Disseminate results to academic and non-academic audiences.

This project is suitable for candidates with experience/interest in mental health or speech, language and communication, or other relevant discipline. A tailored training program will be provided.

Application deadline is 31st July 2018