Evaluation of the efficacy of a stutter modification program with particular reference to two new measures of secondary behaviors and control of stuttering

This study aimed to assess the changes in speech behaviors and attitudes of a group of stutterers who attended an intensive stutter modification program, using measures specifically designed to reflect the aims of the program. These included a measure of “clean” stuttering to quantify overt secondary behaviors and a quantitative measure of speech control to assess changes in control over stuttering moments using the taught handling techniques. High interjudge and intrajudge agreement was obtained on the two new speech measures. In addition, the program’s own Attitude Scale was used to assess changes in attitudes toward communication. The five subjects were assessed immediately after and 2 years after the program. Each subject was analyzed as a single case study, and there was great individual variation in response to therapy. The general trend was a decline in the maintenance of speech behaviors, with good maintenance of attitude gains 2 years postworkshop. The poorest maintenance was linked to lack of attendance at refresher therapy and initial severity of stuttering. The two new measures used to evaluate change in clean stuttering and control may be useful tools in the assessment protocol of other Stutter Modification programs.