Meta-Analysis of Temperament Differences between Children Who Do and Do Not Stutter

Abstract

Purpose: Stuttering is a multi-factorial disorder and temperament is believed to be related to the onset of stuttering. The primary purpose of the current study was to determine whether there would be differences in temperament between pre-school children who stutter (CWS) and children who do not stutter (CWNS) by meta-analysis. Methods: Five databases (three Korean and two English databases) were used in the current study for article search. A total of 23 articles (22 English, one Korean) met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in the current study. Effect sizes (Coehen's d) were calculated for each outcome. Results: There was a significant difference in the overall temperament between CWS and CWNS. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in two out of four temperamental areas. When measured by parental report and behavioral observation there was a significant difference in temperament between the two groups, but not by physiological measure. Conclusion: The meta-analysis results showed that CWS would have a different temperament from CWNS. Future research is needed on how temperament would influence the development of stuttering.