The Role of Perfectionism in Stuttering: A Follow-up Study

Barbara Amster and Evelyn Klein

Perfectionistic individuals set unrealistic personal standards and are self-critical. Preliminary research revealed that people who stutter (PWS) are more perfectionistic than people who do not.  This study investigated a treatment model combining Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Stuttering Modification (CBT-SM) to determine its effects on perfectionistic tendencies in PWS. Levels of perfectionism and stuttering severity were measured in eight PWS before CBT-SM, after CBT-SM, and at 15 weeks follow-up. After treatment, participants’ perfectionism scores decreased and communication attitudes improved. At follow-up, participants’ perfectionism scores continued to reduce. Participants displayed a statistically significant reduction in stuttering severity at follow-up.