The recent study titled "Impact of Intensive Group Therapy for Quebec-French-Speaking Adolescents Who Stutter: Findings of a Retrospective Study" provides valuable insights into the efficacy of intensive group therapy for adolescents who stutter. The research, published in the Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, analyzed the outcomes of 44 adolescents who participated in an intensive group therapy program organized by the Association des jeunes bègues du Québec (AJBQ) between 2011 and 2019.
Key Findings
The study demonstrated significant improvements in speech fluency and a reduction in the severity of stuttering among participants. Specifically:
- Participants showed a significant decrease in the percentage of syllables stuttered (%SS) from an average of 8.29% before therapy to 3.30% after therapy.
- The subjective severity of stuttering (SSS) also decreased significantly, from an average score of 3.99 to 2.01.
Implementation for Practitioners
These findings suggest that intensive group therapy can be highly effective for adolescents who stutter. Here are some practical steps for practitioners to consider:
- Incorporate Group Therapy: The group setting provides a supportive environment where adolescents can share experiences and learn from peers. Consider organizing group therapy sessions to foster a sense of community and mutual support.
- Focus on Intensive Interventions: The AJBQ program involved approximately 50 hours of therapy over six days, including speech-language pathology sessions and psychological education activities inspired by cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Intensive therapy can lead to rapid improvements in fluency.
- Use Evidence-Based Programs: The study utilized an adapted version of the Camperdown Program, which focuses on prolonged speech techniques and cognitive restructuring. Incorporating evidence-based programs like Camperdown can enhance the effectiveness of therapy.
- Monitor Progress: Regularly assess both the %SS and SSS to track progress and make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan. This helps in identifying areas that need more focus and celebrating improvements.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides compelling evidence of the benefits of intensive group therapy, it also highlights the need for further research. Future studies should aim to:
- Investigate the long-term effects of intensive group therapy on stuttering severity and overall quality of life.
- Explore the psychosocial impacts of stuttering and how intensive therapy can address these aspects.
- Compare the outcomes of group therapy with individual therapy to determine the most effective modalities for different populations.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Impact of Intensive Group Therapy for Quebec-French-Speaking Adolescents Who Stutter: Findings of a Retrospective Study.
