Issues and Support Needs of People Who Stutter in Tohoku

Analyzing Adolescents’ Narratives Using Thematic Analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to find supportive measures for stuttering related to an individual’s developmental stage. In the study, we interviewed eight adolescents who stutter from Tohoku, Japan. Transcripts from the semi–structured interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis to determine the individuals’ problems and support needs. We found that the surrounding adults, including parents, need to be aware of stuttering and the importance of mental support; in particular, teachers at school need to improve their knowledge of stuttering, considering that a school is the first place where individuals who stutter recognize their problems. Mental support from surrounding adults enables individuals to accept their stuttering according to their developmental stage. In addition, they may gain a multifaceted and active perspective on how they can further develop themselves by interacting with society through events organized by self–help groups such as the Genyuukai. We believe that, in addition to such self–help groups, places where parents and professionals can gather to learn about stuttering could be effective for public awareness and beneficial for the community.