Self-Reported Factors Related to Relapse following Treatment for Stuttering

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Abstract
This paper presents final results of earlier reported research (Craig & Calver, 1991) of the self-reported perceptions of relapse of people who stutter. The difficulties for those who struggle to remain fluent following successful treatment for stuttering requires further analysis through investigation into relapse. The present study undertook a cross sectional questionnaire study of a large group of persons from an Australian self-help group who were dedicated to maintaining treatment gains in the long term. Relapse was defined as “stuttering to a degree which was not acceptable for at least a period of one week.” Altogether, 152 of 300 questionnaires were returned. Seventy percent of the participants believed they had relapsed, but the majority also believed they had regained fluency subsequent to that relapse. Relapse appeared to occur in cycles, with an average frequency of up to three times per year. They believed that relapse was (a) more likely to occur in demanding contexts such as the work environment, (b) least likely to occur in the home environment, (c) more likely to occur in the presence of persons of authority, work colleagues, or strangers, and (d) more likely to be associated with demanding tasks such as speaking on the telephone and interviewing. They also believed that negative emotions were more likely to precede a relapse and most believed the relapse itself was stressful. Those who believed they had relapsed since treatment were also three times more likely to be anxious than those who believed they had not experienced relapse. Coping strategies were perceived to be important in regaining control for most. Though limited by the self-report design, these results have provided important insights into relapse, and suggestions for anti-relapse strategies are mentioned.

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