Response to "Intensive stuttering modification therapy: a multidimensional assessment of treatment outcomes," by Blomgren, Roy, Callister, and Merrill (2005)

Abstract

Purpose: M. Blomgren, N. Roy, T. Callister, and R. Merrill (2005) used a multidimensional approach to evaluate treatment efficacy for the Successful Stuttering Management Program. While the article acknowledged that the treatment program under evaluation does not target a reduction in stuttering frequency, Blomgren and colleagues concluded that the therapy "was ineffective in producing durable reductions of core stuttering behaviors, such as stuttering frequency and severity." In this response, it is suggested that Blomgren et al. used inappropriate treatment efficacy measures relative to the therapy program under evaluation, subsequently making the study's data difficult to interpret.

Conclusion: It is suggested that stuttering treatment efficacy measures include client-reported treatment satisfaction data, efficacy measures relative to the goals and values of the therapy approach being evaluated, and data relative to the documented values and priorities of those within the stuttering population.