The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Intensive Program for Adolescents Who Stutter: A Qualitative and Quantitative Approach

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of Speak Now, a five-day intensive CBT-based summer camp for adolescents who stutter, in improving communicative self-efficacy and reducing the impact of stuttering. It was predicted that attending Speak Now would lead to an increase in self-efficacy in communication situations as measured the Self Efficacy for Adolescents Scale (SEA-Scale) and a reduction in the impact of stuttering as measured by the Overall Assessment of Speakers Experience of Stuttering (OASES). Phenomenological analysis was performed of parent interviews regarding their child’s experience at camp to determine what themes emerged. Scores decreased in the sections of the OASES that measured general knowledge, reactions to stuttering, and overall quality of life, although subject variables and a small sample size probably contributed to a lack of statistical significance in the results. Phenomenological analysis of parent interviews revealed six themes: 1) campers benefitted from peer engagement with other children who stutter; 2) campers were anxious before starting camp; 3) parents benefitted from the experience of interacting with other parents of children who stutter; 4) parents benefitted from hearing the thoughts and feelings of other children who stutter; 5) parents observed an increase in confidence and relaxation for their children in speaking situations following camp; 6) parents learned about stuttering and how to help their child from camp. Clinical implications as well as directions for future research are discussed.