A Phenomenological Analysis of the Experience of Stuttering

Abstract

Purpose Stuttering behaviors and moments of stuttering are typically defined by what a listener perceives. This study evaluated participants' perceptions of their own experience of moments of stuttering. Method Thirteen adults who stutter participated in a phenomenological qualitative study examining their experience of moments of stuttering. Analysis yielded several common themes and subthemes culminating in an essential structure describing the shared experience. Results Speakers experience anticipation and react in action and nonaction ways. Many speakers experience a loss of control that relates to a lack of a well-formed speech plan or agency. The experience of moments of stuttering changes through therapy, over time, with self-help, and across situations. Many speakers experience so-called typical stuttering behaviors as reactions rather than direct consequences of trying to speak. Interactions with listeners can affect the experience of stuttering. Conclusion Although research recognizes that the experience of the stuttering disorder involves more than just speech behaviors, people who stutter experience stuttering behaviors in time as involving more than just the disruption in speech. This finding has implications for both the theoretical understanding of stuttering and the clinical evaluation and treatment of the stuttering disorder.

Status does not predict stress: Women in an egalitarian hunter–gatherer society

“…While women are often engaged in overt competition in some cultures, women are actively discouraged from overtly competing in other cultures (Andersen et al, 2012; Gneezy et al, 2009). Effectiveness in competitive contexts may even have the counter-intuitive effect of decreasing female status, particularly if women are denigrated by competitors (Sheppard & Aquino, 2017; Tichenor, 2011).…”

Effectiveness of nonpharmacological stuttering interventions on communication and psychosocial functioning in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Stuttering, also known as stammering or dysfluency, is a complex, neurodevelopmental communication disorder. It is characterized by anticipation of a disruption in speech, observable speech behaviours such as repetitions and prolongations, nonspeech behaviours such as muscle tension, and associated cognitive or emotional features including speaking anxiety 2,3 . The prevalence of stuttering in adulthood is estimated at 0.72% of the population 4 and its impact on an individual's life has been well documented to encompass implications beyond communication including mental health difficulties, 5,6 compromised quality of life 5,7,8 and employment‐related challenges 9,10 .…”

Weak Vestibular Response in Persistent Developmental Stuttering: Implications for Own Voice Identification

“…When PWS describe moments of stuttering, the role of the audience and situation are among themes identified (Tichenor & Yaruss, 2018). In a review of linguistic factors, Karniol (1995) suggests that the involvement of motor process in stuttering is a symptom rather than a cause.…”