Perceived quality of life of adolescents who stutter: Does self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, parental socio-economic status and social support play a role?

Abstract

This study determined the correlates of emotional intelligence, parental socioeconomic status, social support and self-efficacy on perceived quality of life of adolescents who stutters (AWS) in KawZulu Natal. Forty-seven AWS were recruited through snowball sampling approach from KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Three research questions were raised for the study. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire tagged ‘Stuttering and Quality of Life Questionnaire’ (α = .82). Data generated was analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Finding revealed a positive significant relationship between emotional intelligence, parental socioeconomic status, social support and perceived quality of life of AWS. There was also a joint relationship between self-efficacy, emotional intelligence, parental socioeconomic status, social support and perceived quality of life. Emotional intelligence is considered a strong factor that influences quality of life of the AWS. This study recommends emotional intelligence training as a therapeutic approach to the management of speech dysfluency.

Key words: stuttering; quality of life; social support; emotional intelligence; self-efficacy; parental socio-economic status