Consumer Alert: Stuttering and Gender Research

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Re: biorhythms

From: Ellen-Marie Silverman
Date: 10/9/01
Time: 7:01:38 AM
Remote Name: 172.151.129.130

Comments

I have done neither research into the literature nor empirical research into biorhythm or other cyclical variations in the frequency and/or nature of stuttering except for hormonal changes in menstruating women. But I think your question is very interesting, as well as your personal example.

Have you taken a look at Bloodstein's most recent edition of the Handbook on Stuttering? That may be a good starting place.

Other thoughts: cumulative effects of sleep deprivation/disturbances, food allergies, stress, etc. may affect the frequency and manner of stuttering, i.e., contribute to a noticeble change. The change may occasion a return to a healthier life-style for a while because of its diverting nature, i.e., signalling the need for personal care. And the individual may become, at least temporarily, more self-aware and responsible. Then, if the individual fails to heed the relationship between self-care and stuttering as a long-term responsibility, repetitions of regularly occuring stuttering patterns stemming from mental and/or bodily stress may be expected to occur. For instance, women for whom an increase in stuttering frequency and/or manner of stuttering occurs regularly at the premenstrual portion of the cycle, may note that and plan to be more self-caring at that time of the month to attempt to attenuate the effects of drops in estrogen levels and increases in progesterone levels. At the very least, making an effort to care for oneself does increase feelings of personal control, which of themselves, can be very beneficial.

Best, Ellen-Marie


Last changed: September 12, 2005