University of Mississippi study reveals resilience training benefits for children who stutter

A new study led by the University of Mississippi suggests that a telepractice resilience program can significantly aid children who stutter. Conducted by Gregory Snyder and graduate student Emily Williams Thornton, the study highlights the importance of coping and self-advocacy skills for children facing bullying and social anxiety due to stuttering.

Understanding the Challenges of Stuttering

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, around 3 million adults in the United States stutter. Additionally, approximately 5% of children experience stuttering at some point, with about 1% developing persistent stuttering. For many of these children, the social repercussions, such as teasing and bullying, can be more daunting than the stuttering itself.

“When children hear messages like that, they can carry them into every speaking situation,” Snyder noted. This pressure can lead to children overthinking their speech, which in turn exacerbates their stuttering. The research team aimed to address these psychological barriers through resilience training.

Details of the Resilience Training Program

Over a period of six weeks, Snyder and Thornton facilitated 12 live online sessions for six children aged 8 to 12. The program incorporated lessons on emotional regulation, realistic optimism, empathy, and self-advocacy, adapted from a character education video series created by resilience educator Brooks Gibbs.

• Emotional regulation techniques
• Strategies for dealing with teasing
• Self-advocacy skills
• Methods for seeking help
• Empathy building exercises

“His contribution provided a strong, developmentally appropriate foundation,” Snyder said, referring to Gibbs' materials. The program aimed to empower children by providing them practical tools to handle social interactions and challenges they face in school.

Study Outcomes and Future Implications

At the conclusion of the study, more than two-thirds of the participants exhibited notable improvements in resilience. However, Snyder emphasized that this initiative is not about pushing children to hide their stuttering or accepting bullying. Instead, it is about fostering engagement and self-respect.

“It’s about helping children stay engaged, recognize when they need support, and respond to difficult moments with empowerment,” Snyder stated. The telepractice format of the program has also made it more accessible, allowing children from across the country to participate.

Thornton expressed optimism about the program's future, suggesting it could serve as a valuable addition to traditional speech therapy. “Some kids will have no inhibitions about their stuttering... for others, it will matter a lot,” she said.