Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What technique is likely used in fluency-shaping activities for stuttering therapy?

1. Cancellation

2. Avoidance treatment

3. Counseling

4. Operant conditioning to reinforce moments of fluency

The correct answer is: Operant conditioning to reinforce moments of fluency

In fluency-shaping activities for stuttering therapy, operant conditioning to reinforce moments of fluency is a fundamental technique. This approach involves reinforcing fluent speech with positive feedback or rewards when a client successfully speaks without stuttering. The goal is to gradually increase the frequency of fluent speech through positive reinforcement, helping the individual to develop and maintain smooth, fluent communication patterns over time. By creating a supportive environment where moments of fluency are acknowledged and rewarded, clients can build confidence in their ability to speak fluently. This technique emphasizes the importance of establishing a new, fluent speech pattern rather than solely focusing on managing stuttering behaviors. In contrast, cancellation, avoidance treatment, and counseling serve different purposes in stuttering therapy. Cancellation involves pausing and restarting after a disfluent moment, avoidance treatment focuses on teaching clients to avoid certain speaking situations to reduce anxiety, and counseling aims to address the emotional and psychological aspects of stuttering. However, operant conditioning specifically aims to shape and encourage fluent speech, making it a key technique in fluency-shaping activities.