Listener perceptions of stuttering and stuttering modification techniques.

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Communication Sciences
• Psychology

Background:

• Stuttering is a complex speech disorder affecting fluency.
• Stuttering modification techniques aim to reduce stuttering severity and improve speech.
• Listener perceptions significantly impact social interactions for individuals who stutter.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate naïve listener perceptions of unmodified stuttered speech versus speech modified by pull-out techniques and preparatory sets.
• To assess how these different speech conditions influence listener comfort and social interaction willingness.

Main Methods:

• 62 participants were randomly assigned to listen to one of three audio samples: unmodified stuttered speech, speech with pull-outs, or speech with preparatory sets.
• Participants completed a survey on speaker perception, listener comfort, and willingness for social interaction.

Main Results:

• All conditions yielded low perceptual ratings.
• Unmodified stuttered speech received more positive ratings than modification techniques, except for speech naturalness.
• Preparatory sets led to lower willingness for social interaction compared to unmodified stuttered speech.

Conclusions:

• Stuttering modification techniques did not enhance listener perceptions or willingness to interact.
• Speech techniques do not necessarily decrease negative social interactions or stereotypes associated with stuttering.
• Awareness of these findings is crucial for clinicians and individuals who stutter.