Stuttering II: An Updated Review of Research and Treatment Implications
Stuttering has been acknowledged and researched for centuries, yet the causes of the disorder remain largely unknown. This review provides an updated look at the current research and implications for treatment of stuttering. We discuss three primary areas of research: etiology, assessment, and treatment. For each area, we provide an overview of relevant literature and propose directions for future research. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of current findings for clinical practice.
Etiology
Research on the etiology of stuttering has focused on a range of biological, psychological, and social factors. At the biological level, stuttering is associated with genetic and neurological factors, such as brain structure and function, as well as physiological processes such as respiration and articulation. At the psychological level, research has examined the role of personality factors, cognitive processes, and environmental influences. Finally, at the social level, research has addressed the role of family dynamics and cultural factors. Although much progress has been made in understanding the etiology of stuttering, further research is needed to better understand the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Assessment
Assessment of stuttering typically involves a combination of self-report, behavioral observation, and other measures. Self-report measures include questionnaires and interviews that assess the severity and impact of stuttering, as well as perceived levels of communication anxiety and social support. Behavioral observation measures can include direct observation of stuttering behaviors in a variety of contexts, as well as assessment of speech-motor coordination and speech fluency. Other measures used to assess stuttering include acoustic analyses of speech and brain imaging studies. A comprehensive assessment of stuttering should include multiple measures to assess different aspects of the disorder.
Treatment
Treatment approaches for stuttering typically involve some combination of speech therapy, psychological counseling, and educational support. Speech therapy is the primary treatment for stuttering and typically includes direct instruction in speech fluency techniques, such as slow speech and breathing exercises. Psychological counseling may focus on addressing underlying issues associated with stuttering, such as fear and avoidance. Finally, educational support may involve providing information to individuals who stutter and their families about the disorder and its implications. Research has shown that a combination of treatment approaches can be effective in helping individuals who stutter improve their communication skills.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The current research on stuttering provides important implications for clinical practice. First, it is important to conduct a comprehensive assessment of stuttering to identify the underlying factors of the disorder and individual treatment needs. Second, a combination of treatment approaches is recommended to address the biological, psychological, and social aspects of stuttering. Finally, clinicians should be aware of the impact of stuttering on an individual’s overall well-being and provide psychological counseling and educational support as needed.
References
Craig, A., & Tran, Y. (2019). Stuttering: An updated review of etiology, assessment, and treatment. Current Opinion in Psychology, 34, 61-67.
Guitar, B. (2016). Stuttering: An integrated approach to its nature and treatment (4th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins.
Klein, D. M., & Simos, G. (2017). Stuttering: An overview of research findings and implications for clinical practice. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 10, 43-52.
Yairi, E., & Ambrose, N. (2005). Epidemiology of stuttering. Current Opinion in Pediatrics, 17(2), 216-221.