title: Assessment of stigma associated with stuttering: development and evaluation of the self-stigma of stuttering scale (4S).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To create a psychometrically sound scale that measures different levels of internalized stigma (i.e., self-stigma) among adults who stutter and to analyze factor structure, reliability, and initial construct validity of the scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-hundred ninety-one adults who stutter were recruited from Board Recognized Specialists in Fluency Disorders and the National Stuttering Association. Participants completed a web-based survey including an experimental scale called the Self-Stigma of Stuttering Scale (4S), designed to measure different levels of self-stigma in people who stutter, along with a series of established measures of self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The experimental scale demonstrated adequate reliability in internal consistency and temporal stability. Factor analysis revealed underlying components supportive of a multidimensional model of stigma. Stigma self-concurrence and, to a lesser extent, stereotype agreement and stigma awareness were negatively correlated with self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction, supporting initial construct validity of the scale.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Speech-language pathologists can identify the presence of self-stigma in their adult clients who stutter and help them to alter these beliefs. The 4S can be a means for researchers and clinicians to achieve these goals.
authors.affiliation: Correspondence to Michael P. Boyle, who is now at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater: michael.boyle@okstate.edu.
authors.forename: Michael P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Boyle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000379:methods; D013240:Stereotyping; D013342:Stuttering / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: assessment; fluency disorders; psychosocial issues; stereotypes; stigma; stuttering