EFFECT OF FREQUENCY ALTERED FEEDBACK AND AUDIENCE SIZE ON STUTTERING

The effect of frequency altered feedback (FAF) and audience size on st uttering frequency was examined. Nine adults who stutter orally read t o audiences of two, four and 15 people under conditions of FAF (one-ha lf octave shift down) and non-altered auditory feedback (NAF). There w as no statistically significant effect of audience size on stuttering frequency (p>0.05). A statistically significant reduction in stutterin g frequency was found under FAF relative to NAF (p<0.5). Collapsed acr oss audience conditions, stuttering frequency was reduced by 74%. Thes e findings suggest that FAF may be useful as a treatment tool.