The Development of Stuttering: II. Developmental Phases

Abstract

Case records of 418 stutterers from age 2 to 16 were examined from the point of view of the temporal relationship in which various features of stuttering emerge. Four generalized phases were found: (1) episodic difficulty, occurrence on initial word of sentence, occurrence on small parts of speech, repetition, intensification by variable sources of pressure; (2) stuttering primarily when individual says he talks fast and gets excited, on major parts of speech, and with reaction of the case that he is a stutterer; (3) more difficulty in some situations, word substitutions, etc., and with mild emotional reactions; (4) vivid anticipation, special difficulties in response to various sounds, listeners, etc., frequent word substitution, avoidance of speaking situations and other evidneces of fear and embarrassment.