The Use of Parent-Child Interaction Patterns in Therapy for Young Stutterers

Nine school-age stutterers were seen in an experimental therapy program. The basic feature of the program was that parent-child interaction patterns were used in the planning of therapy. Such behaviors by the parent as verbal aggression, silence, and interruptions were identified in the parent-child interaction. These events were hypothesized as maintaining factors of stuttering, and were manipulated during therapy. Results support the hypothesized relationship. Clinical and experimental implications are discussed.