Self-Perceived Communication Competence of Adults Who Stutter Following Communication-Centered Treatment

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess self-perceived communication competence of adults who stutter following participation in a non-ableist treatment for which one of the core components focuses on communication — with no direct or indirect goals designed to reduce or modify stuttered speech. Method: Thirty-three adults who stutter completed the Self-Perceived Communication Competence scale (McCroskey & McCroskey, 1988) pre- and posttreatment. Results: Findings indicate significant gains in self-perceived communication competence posttreatment. Pre- to posttreatment changes in stuttering did not predict posttreatment gains in self-perceived communication competence. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that improvement in communication can be achieved independent of improvement in fluency, lending further support to the notion that stuttering and communication competence are distinct constructs.