Camp Silver-Tongue! Investigating the Impact of Social Anxiety Treatment on Stuttering Severity

Wednesday, March 26, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
CSU - 2025 Health Summit

Professor Eric Strong and colleagues will present their research on how stuttering affects a child's well-being at the 2025 Health Summit.

Abstract:

This study presents findings from the Phase I trial of Camp Silver-Tongue!, a novel intervention addressing the intersection of social anxiety and stuttering severity in children. Research consistently demonstrates that individuals who stutter experience heightened social anxiety, which can exacerbate communication challenges. Our program integrates Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), utilizing the Clark and Wells Model of Social Anxiety Disorder alongside evidence-based stuttering interventions.

Through structured camp experiences, children engage in targeted social interactions, guided speech restructuring, and self-reflection exercises. Initial assessments establish baseline measures using the Stuttering Severity Index-4, the Overall Assessment of the Speaker’s Experience of Stuttering (OASES), and the Unhelpful Thoughts and Beliefs About Stuttering (UTBAS) scale. Daily treatment measures incorporate CBT worksheets, SFBT interventions, and severity rating scales.

Our findings suggest that Camp Silver-Tongue! fosters clear and genuine improvements in social anxiety and stuttering severity, promoting long-term communication success. By enhancing self-perception and reducing avoidance behaviors, this study contributes to the growing body of research advocating for holistic approaches to stuttering intervention. This work holds implications for speech-language pathologists integrating mental health considerations into treatment frameworks, aligning with the National Stuttering Association’s mission to empower individuals who stutter.