Routledge Theoretical Issues in Stuttering

Despite decades of research into the nature and treatment of stuttering, the causes and underlying mechanisms of it are still not well understood. In this unique and comprehensive overview of the numerous theories and models which seek to understand and explain stuttering, the authors of Theoretical Issues in Stuttering provide an invaluable account. Covering an impressive range of topics including past and current theories of stuttering, this edition provides the reader with an updated evaluation of the literature on the subject of stuttering alongside exploring the evolution of new theories. Placing each within the relevant historical context, the authors explore the contribution of theory to both understanding and managing stuttering. Theoretical Issues in Stuttering is a critical account of the models and theories which surround the subject of stuttering, aiming to act as a key resource for students of speech-language pathology as well as lecturers, clinicians and researchers within the field. Review ‘Theoretical Issues in Stuttering is unique in several important respects. One peculiarity of the book is that theories of stuttering are not only described but systematically compared with respect to the criteria of testability, explanatory power, parsimony, and heuristic fruitfulness. In this way an integrated view on quite different theoretical approaches is systematically developed and described. Another singular feature of this book is that the first three chapters deal with philosophical questions behind theories of stuttering. In sum, this book is exceptionally clearly and comprehensibly written and provides insights into the philosophical background of stuttering theories, their development and evaluation.’ Hans-Georg Bosshardt, retired member of Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum. ‘This second edition of Theoretical Issues in Stuttering is much anticipated, given the ongoing profusion of models and theories about the cause of stuttering. This book is an indispensable guide to those wanting to know about current causal models and theories of stuttering and how to evaluate them, written by two authors with extensive experience of treatment, teaching, research and publishing about the disorder. The first half of the book provides guidelines for evaluating theories, such as testability and explanatory value. The authors draw on philosophy of science and psychology to develop those guidelines. Seven new models and theories have been added to this edition, along with a new chapter about the evolution of theories.’ Mark Onslow, Director, Australian Stuttering Research Centre, The University of Sydney About the Author Ann Packman has worked for over 35 years in the field of stuttering, as clinician, teacher, and researcher. She has published over 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has served two terms as Associate Editor for Fluency for journals of the American Speech and Hearing Association. Professor Joseph S. Attanasio has published and presented on the topic of stuttering in national and international research journals and venues during his 45 years as a member of the Department of Communication Science & Disorders, Montclair State University.