Variability in Stuttering Severity and Other Symptoms Across Three Fluency States.

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Psycholinguistics
• Communication Sciences

Background:

• Stuttering is a complex disorder characterized by disruptions in speech fluency.
• Understanding variability in stuttering symptoms is crucial for effective intervention.
• Previous research has not fully quantified symptom variability across distinct fluency states in adults who stutter (AWS).

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify intra-individual variability in external stuttering severity, associated symptoms, and listener reactions among adults who stutter (AWS).
• To compare these variables across three distinct fluency states: least fluent (LF), most naturally fluent (MNF), and using fluency shaping (FS) techniques.

Main Methods:

• 130 adults who stutter (AWS) completed an online survey.
• Participants rated stuttering severity using a 9-point scale for LF, MNF, and FS states.
• 14 additional questions assessed stuttering symptoms and listener reactions for each state.

Main Results:

• High intra- and interindividual variability in stuttering symptoms and reactions were observed.
• Least fluent (LF) states were associated with the most negative ratings for 13 of 14 symptoms/reactions.
• Most naturally fluent (MNF) states yielded the most positive ratings, though many symptoms persisted.

Conclusions:

• Findings reveal significant intra-individual variability in stuttering symptoms related to external stuttering severity.
• Fluency shaping (FS) techniques showed intermediate effects, with both costs and benefits.
• The persistent nature of some symptoms even in fluent states has important clinical implications for AWS.