Stutterers Often Continue Impediment As an Excuse, Speech Clinic Concludes

According to Frederick C. Packard '20, assistant professor of English and director of the Speech Clinic, stutterers often hinder their improvement in speech by an unconscious desire to continue the handicap as an excuse for not being more successful in their social and academic activities.

After several years during which time the cases of more than 75 students have been studied, Professor Packard and his consultants, Dr. Rudelph Oxgood '32, both graduates of the Medical School, have concluded that one of the greatest obstacles to a student's progress toward good speech is his own lack of determined effort.

"This frequently infers," said Packard, "a subconscious desire to continue the handicap as a sort of insulation against the rigors of competitive college existence. In this regard a stutterer may become his own worst enemy."

On the other hand it was shown that those who have exhibited a strong determination to conquer this defect have through regular and consistent efforts achieved success.

Other Departments Aid Clinic Founded in 1933 the Speech Clinic has received cooperation from the Department of Hygiene and from the various specialists in psychology and psychiatry in the University.