Abstract

Previous literature has reported that stuttering is linked with lowered life quality across a wide range of domains such as vitality, social presentation, significant risks of social anxiety disorder and emotional functioning. The aim of the present study was to assess the status of the psychological variables mainly depression, anxiety and stress in two clients diagnosed with stuttering, who had attended regular intensive therapeutic sessions. Both of them exhibited negative emotional states regarding their problem and were feeling highly stressed due to stuttering. The severity of stuttering was assessed using Stuttering Severity Scale (SSI-4) and negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress were measured by DASS (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale) in two stages i.e. preand post-stuttering intervention. The outcome of the present study revealed reduction in depression, anxiety and stress after stuttering therapy. The finding of the present study highlighted on the fact that evidence based stuttering therapy techniques must be followed and implemented during the therapeutic sessions based on the client’s severity of stuttering. This study also proves very strong correlation between speech behavior and emotional aspects among stutterers. The findings also showed that intensive stuttering modification therapy techniques can be effective in reducing severity of stuttering as well as reducing the psychological issues such as depression, stress, anxiety and attitude due to stuttering; thus improving quality of life in persons with stuttering.

Keywords: DASS, Stuttering, SSI, Psychological variables