Experiences of women who stammer

Participants are needed to help improve understanding of the experiences of women who stammer.

Laura Weingarten writes:
There is a lack of research that looks exclusively at the experiences of women who stammer. This is probably due to the fact that only 1 in five people who stammer are women and it is, therefore, seen as a male problem and research in the field is mostly generic. This research intends to ask women individually about their experiences of being women who stammer and explore how this has affected different stages of their lives such as education, work, social lives, love lives and motherhood.

As a woman who stammers the researcher, Laura Weingarten, aims to increase validity of the study by being reflexive about her own personal and professional biases.

The researcher is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist, carrying out this work as part of a doctorate qualification, and is supervised by Dr Ken Gannon, Director of Research at the University of East London.

What does taking part involve?
If you decide to take part you will be invited to meet with the researcher for an informal interview that will last approximately one hour. During this meeting you will be asked about your experience of stammering.

What are the benefits to taking part?
Although you may not benefit personally from the interviews, by communicating your experience of stammering, it is hoped that the research may inform the development of better/more appropriate services for women who stammer. Unfortunately we are unable to offer payment for taking part.

How do I take part?
For further information please contact the researcher, Laura Weingarten (Trainee Clinical Psychologist):
Email: u0933890@uel.ac.uk

Ethical Issues
If you decide to take part, you can withdraw at any point, without giving a reason and without any disadvantage to you. This study has been approved by the School of Psychology Research Ethics Committee.

July 2011