Locus of Control, Communication Apprehension and Social Avoidance in Adults with Stuttering Disorder

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship among Locus of Control, Communication Apprehension, and Social Avoidance in young adults with stuttering disorders. Utilizing a correlational research design, the study sampled adults aged 18–25 (M = 21.1; SD = 2.1) through a purposive sampling strategy. Data were collected from various speech therapy centers in Lahore, Pakistan. Four standardized instruments were employed named as the Modified Stuttering Scale (Andrews & Cutler, 1974), the Locus of Control Scale (Rotter, 1966), the Communication Apprehension Questionnaire (McCroskey, 1984), and the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (Watson & Friend, 1969). Reliability analysis confirmed that all scales possessed moderate to high internal consistency. Statistical analyses including Pearson product-moment correlation, mediation analysis, and independent samples t-tests, were conducted to examine the hypothesized relationships. The findings revealed that locus of control was significantly and positively correlated with social avoidance, while showing a significant negative correlation with communication apprehension. Furthermore, the relationship between communication apprehension and social avoidance was found to be significantly negative. Mediation analysis indicated that communication apprehension plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between locus of control and social avoidance. From a clinical perspective, this research highlights the necessity of addressing internal psychological factors in the treatment of stuttering. Beyond individual interventions, these findings suggest a need for public education campaigns and awareness programs to mitigate the social stigma associated with stuttering disorders