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From: Jennifer Watson
Date: 10/12/03
Time: 9:02:43 PM
Remote Name: 66.169.102.63
Hi, Chris! Thank you for your kind words. You raise some interesting questions about covert stuttering. Here are some thoughts. If a person engages in any behavior to keep from keeping a listener from discovering that s/he stutters, these efforts may lead to increased fear, avoidance, and additional anxiety. I see a marked difference between wanting to increase fluency to improve communication and wanting to keep from stuttering and to avoid being “exposed” as a PWS or "found out." One is motivated by fear and the other is motivated by a desire to enhance communication, interactions, relationships, etc. If one is driven by fear, there can be negative consequences to one’s self esteem and I would think that person may want to consider whether the benefits are worth the costs. Just some thoughts on a complex topic. Thanks again. Jennifer