Facebook groups for people who stutter: An extension of and supplement to in-person support groups

Introduction

Online support group experiences, using social networking websites like Facebook, have shown much promise in past research unrelated to stuttering. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the utility of a Facebook-based stuttering support group that was created as an extension of and supplement to an in-person stuttering support group as a means of providing psychosocial support for people who stutter (PWS).

Method

A qualitative approach that was inspired by ethnography was used to explore the experiences of seven participants (six participants who stutter and one participant who does not stutter) who digitally connect on a private Facebook-based stuttering support group that was created as an extension of and supplement to an already existing in-person stuttering support group. The main question posed to the participants related to describing their experiences being a member of the Facebook-based stuttering support group.

Results

Data analysis revealed two major themes, which included the benefits and challenges of participating in a Facebook-based stuttering support group.  Each major theme contained five subthemes. Specific results are discussed with reference to past research, as well as implications for practice and recommendations for future research.

Conclusions

There are numerous benefits and challenges associated with being a member of a Facebook-based stuttering support group.  However, the overall utility of a Facebook-based stuttering support group, used in tandem with an in-person stuttering support experience, seems to provide members with a useful and impactful way to gain psychosocial support from other PWS.