Understanding the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering Can Improve Stuttering Therapy

Abstract

This article highlights the value for speech-language pathologists of considering the overall stuttering condition-including speakers' experiences during and around moments of stuttering-in treatment with individuals who stutter. We first highlight a framework for conceptualizing the entirety of the stuttering condition. We then present recent research and clinical perspectives about stuttering to support the claim that speech-language pathologists who account for individual differences in how their clients experience stuttering are better positioned to treat stuttering more effectively. Ultimately, this will yield better treatment outcomes and help clinicians achieve greater gains in quality of life for their clients who stutter.

Can Stoicism inspire stuttering intervention? The clinical usefulness of an ancient philosophy

“…In more recent times, however, efficacy evidence for a range of psychological interventions targeting unhelpful personal reactions and the reduction of the adverse impact of living with stuttering has increased. Research on cognitive‐based interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and more recently mindfulness‐based interventions such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) have demonstrated efficacy in decreasing anxiety, increasing positive reactions to stuttering and reducing the adverse impact of stuttering for children and adults (Beilby et al., 2012; Cheasman, 2013; Gupta et al., 2016; Helgadóttir et al., 2014; Kelman & Wheeler, 2015; Menzies et al., 2008; St Clare et al., 2009; Tichenor et al., 2022). Despite the increased implementation of such therapies within the field of stuttering, there is little, if any, discussion on their philosophical origins, which date back to ancient Greek and Roman civilisations.…”

“…There is widespread recognition that the experience of stuttering involves far more than the production of speech disfluencies (Connery et al., 2019; Tichenor & Yaruss, 2018; Van Riper, 1982; Yaruss & Quesal, 2004). Individuals who stutter experience a range of affective, behavioural and cognitive reactions including feelings of fear, anger or embarrassment, avoidance of words or situations, and repetitive negative thinking (e.g., ‘I'm stuttering and people are judging me ’ ) (Tichenor & Yaruss, 2019; Tichenor et al., 2022). In addition, many individuals who stutter experience limitations in their daily life activities and participation, such as difficulties in school performance for children or employment‐related challenges for adults (Gerlach et al., 2018; McAllister et al., 2012; Tichenor et al., 2022).…”

Introduction to the Issue “Stuttering: Beyond Disfluencies”

“…Expanding on their recent line of research, Tichenor and colleagues (2022) review their revised framework for stuttering based on the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (WHO-ICF; Tichenor & Yaruss, 2019; World Health Organization, 2001). They then detail multiple aspects of personal context , or individual reactions to stuttering that individuals experience.…”

“…In the final article in this issue, Byrd et al (2022) evaluated a treatment approach for adults who stutter that focuses on communication competencies without any goals or evaluation of speech fluency or stuttered events. The treatment program focuses on both affective and cognitive aspects of stuttering (outlined in Tichenor et al, 2022) by targeting speaking confidently, communicating effectively, and advocating meaningfully with the aim of improving quality of life. The 12-week program combined weekly group and individual sessions that targeted specific aspects of each individual's life.…”

Stuttering: Beyond Disfluencies

“…Lescht et al (2022) further explore aspects of linguistics and stuttering within their article about novel word learning. Then, Tichenor et al (2022) highlight the importance of understanding the experience of people who stutter. Finally, Byrd et al (2022) share preliminary results from their communication effectiveness intervention for adults who stutter.…”