Self-modelling as a relapse intervention following speech-restructuring treatment for stuttering.
BACKGROUND
Speech restructuring is an efficacious method for the alleviation of stuttered speech. However, post-treatment relapse is common.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether the use of video self-modelling using restructured stutter-free speech reduces stuttering in adults who had learnt a speech-restructuring technique and subsequently relapsed.


METHODS
Participants were twelve adults who had previously had speech-restructuring treatment for stuttering and relapsed. They were video recorded for 1 hour within the clinic, practising their speech-restructuring technique. The videos were then edited to remove all observable stuttering. Participants then viewed the resulting video of themselves using restructured stutter-free speech each day for 1 month and were instructed to speak as they did on the video. Beyond-clinic speech samples and self-report severity data were collected before and after the intervention.


RESULTS
Very large effect sizes were found. The mean per cent syllables stuttered was 7.7 pre-intervention and 2.3 post-intervention. For all but one participant there was a reduction in stuttering from pre-intervention to post-intervention. These results were verified with self-report data. Speech naturalness was not compromised by the video self-modelling procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Video self-modelling as a relapse management tool does not involve excessive time expenditure by the clinician or the client. The study indicates video self-modelling is potentially useful for managing relapse after speech-restructuring treatment for stuttering, and in some cases may be a stand-alone procedure to manage relapse. Phase II and III trials are warranted to determine the size and duration of the effect. It is suggested video self-modelling could also be included in a relapse management plan.
Cream
Angela
A
Australian Stuttering Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Lidcombe, Australia.
O'Brian
Sue
S
Onslow
Mark
M
Packman
Ann
A
Menzies
Ross
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012008:Recurrence; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013068:Speech Production Measurement / Q000379:methods; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D013342:Stuttering / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014741:Video Recording