This study examined the perceived communicative competence, self-esteem, and vulnerability to bullying of 53 adolescents who stutter and 53 adolescents who do not stutter. Adolescents who stutter were at a significantly higher risk of experiencing bullying behavior (43%) than were adolescents who do not stutter (11%). The majority of adolescents who stutter (57%) rated themselves as having poor communicative competence. In contrast, only 13% of the adolescents who do not stutter rated themselves as having poor communicative competence. Seventy-two percent of adolescents who stutter scored within 1 SD from the mean on a standardized measure of self-esteem, which is indicative of positive self-esteem. Students with low self-esteem and poor confidence in their communicative competence were more likely to be victimized by bullies. The importance of perceived communication skills, especially in establishing and maintaining positive social interactions, and their relationship to potential victimization by bullies is discussed. Social and communication skills training programs may be an important part of treatment programs for some adolescents who stutter to manage potential bullying behavior.

No abstract

This article deals with the development and assessment of the Self-Evaluation of Communication Experiences After Laryngectomy (SECEL), a 35-item scale developed to address the communication needs of patients with laryngectomies. In the initial stages of development of SECEL, 431 patients with laryngectomies participated. Scale development, factor structure, and data reduction are discussed. Statistical analyses revealed three factors representing General, Environment, and Attitude Subscales. The final version of the SECEL was administered to another 102 patients with laryngectomies to determine validity and reliability measurements. The scale provides a useful measure of adjustment related to communication experiences of patients with laryngectomies.

No abstract

No abstract