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Early stuttering, temperament and anxiety: two hypotheses
Elaina Kefalianos1, Mark Onslow, Susan Block
1Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australia. elaina.kefalianos@mcri.edu.au
Journal of Fluency Disorders
|June 12, 2012
Summary
Research on temperament and early stuttering suggests anxiety may be linked to unusual temperament or be a result of stuttering. More longitudinal studies are needed to confirm findings on childhood stuttering and anxiety development.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Temperament plays a role in anxiety development.
- The relationship between temperament, anxiety, and early stuttering is theoretically and clinically relevant.
- Understanding this connection can inform theory and clinical practices for early stuttering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical literature on temperament and early stuttering.
- To evaluate two hypotheses: unusual temperament causing stuttering and anxiety, or anxiety resulting from stuttering.
- To clarify the association between anxiety and chronic stuttering.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of empirical studies.
- Analysis of two competing hypotheses regarding temperament, stuttering, and anxiety.
- Identification of knowledge gaps and inconsistencies in current research.
Main Results:
- Current literature is limited and contains inconsistencies, making firm conclusions premature.
- Further quantitative and qualitative research is recommended.
- Longitudinal studies of children before stuttering onset are crucial for resolution.
Conclusions:
- Conclusive findings require expanding research beyond the current limited scope of 10 publications.
- Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causality.
- Understanding the interplay of temperament and anxiety in early stuttering is essential for effective intervention.
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