O comportamento das pessoas que gaguejam: Um estudo a partir de Análise Funcional

Abstract

Stuttering is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 10 million people in Brazil. This condition can cause difficulties in speech fluency, communication, and social interaction, contributing to psychological distress. To cope with these challenges, individuals who stutter develop different behavioral repertoires throughout their lives. This study investigated these repertoires, focusing on two categories: (1) avoidance and escape behaviors related to stuttering and (2) confrontation behaviors in dealing with this condition. The research was conducted through semi-structured interviews, analyzed based on Molar Functional Analysis. The results indicated that the life history of people who stutter is marked by aversive contingencies that promote the development of extensive avoidance and escape repertoires. Furthermore, confrontation behaviors proved to be important for overcoming the difficulties associated with stuttering.