Passive Dependency in Stutterers
ROBERT L. SADOFF M.D.1, and
DONALD J. COLLINS PH.D.2
1 Clinical instructor in psychiatry and lecturer in law, unit in law and psychiatry, Temple University School of Law, Philadelphia, Pa. 19122
2 Chief psychologist, Trenton Catholic Child Guidance Clinic, Trenton, N. J.
The authors studied 22 stutterers being treated in group psychotherapy for 18 months. Most of the stutterers exhibited passive-dependent personality traits which prevented them from recognizing feelings and expressions of anger. The authors' treatment aimed indirectly at the stuttering symptom by showing the patients its defensive nature. Passive-dependent hostility then decreased and stuttering diminished.
