About Stuttering

Understanding the Inner Experience of Stuttering - Psychological and Emotional Layers

The Iceberg of Stuttering

The actual physical stuttering is however, just the tip of the iceberg for those who stutter yet it is the only aspect of which most people are aware. Most have no idea that the true paralyzing aspects of the disorder are the associated feelings within the person who stutters. No one can truly understand the depths of these feelings other than those experiencing it.

*We wish to acknowledge the late Joseph Sheehan, Ph.D.

The Mental Factors

Thinking patterns develop over time that "program" people to expect and fear stuttering in certain situations, on certain words, or on certain sounds. Our minds are very quick to associate experiences so if someone has difficulty saying a word in one situation, he may quickly learn to believe that he will have difficulty again. This expectation/fear causes an adrenaline rush, which then creates more physical tension in the body, which helps to create the block.

This is why it seems as if stuttering is "psychological"... but in actuality it is a physical problem that is made worse by the psychological reaction. Imagine playing any sport under stress, or performing your first recital. The body and the speech muscle system are affected by stress and anxiety and the result is often increased tension. As a result, people who stutter often try to avoid this struggle by switching words or avoiding certain situations. They develop all kids of mental strategies to simply survive.

"Stuttering was worse to deal with than blindness because people just don't understand stuttering." Eric Warren, AIS client who is also blind

The Emotional Factors

Those who stutter unfortunately live in a world that just doesn't get it. So, dealing with the misconceptions that people have is a large part of living with stuttering. Parents, physicians, teachers, the media and the general public's misunderstanding lead to even greater frustration and embarrassment.

Historically, people have believed stuttering to be a psychological problem. Therefore the individual who stutters and his or her family develop the guilt and shame associated with such a judgment. This hinders one's self-confidence and greater sense of involvement in the world. These mental and emotional aspects of stuttering are often more devastating and life-affecting than the stuttering itself.

American Institute for Stuttering
27 W 20th St. Suite 1203
New York, NY 10011

phone: (212) 633-6400
fax: (212) 220-3922

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