Selective mutism in children : professionals’ experiences

Abstract

Selective mutism is the inability to be verbal in social situations outside the child’s natural environment (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Speech inhibition in children who present with selective mutism is associated with anxiety (Harwood & Bork, 2011). This study sought to explore the experiences of professionals who have worked therapeutically with children who have selective mutism. The aim was to consider the professionals’ perceptions towards this disorder and how it ultimately impacts them and their work. Locally, empirical research about selective mutism is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to shed light on current practice in Malta. Six professionals from various areas of specialisation were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were then transcribed verbatim and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Five superordinate themes emerged from the analysis. Participants indicated features that are common amongst young clients with SM. The challenging nature of working therapeutically with children who present with selective mutism and aspects of the therapeutic relationship were also highlighted by the participants. Finally, the participants made reference to the client-centred nature of their work and to the need to be self-sufficient in their practice. This study presented a multidimensional quality to the qualitative experiences of professionals working with selective mutism. Future research may consider a deeper exploration into one aspect of this study, such as the emotional reactions experienced by professionals in response to silence in therapy.