Covert repair hypothesis

Definition

The covert repair hypothesis suggests that individuals who stutter engage in subconscious, internal corrections to their speech while speaking, which can lead to interruptions or disfluencies. This internal monitoring and self-correction occur before the actual speech output, aiming to prevent potential errors from occurring. It emphasizes the complex interplay between cognitive processes and fluency, highlighting how these repairs might contribute to the observable characteristics of stuttering.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The covert repair hypothesis is based on the idea that individuals who stutter may anticipate difficulties in their speech and attempt to 'fix' them internally before they manifest as disfluencies.
2. Research supporting this hypothesis indicates that stutterers may have heightened awareness of their speech production, leading to increased cognitive load and potential breakdowns in fluency.
3. The hypothesis helps explain why some individuals may exhibit more stuttering under stress, as the additional pressure can exacerbate difficulties in managing their covert repairs.
4. Covert repairs might not always be apparent to listeners, making it challenging for others to understand the internal struggles faced by those who stutter.
5. This hypothesis contributes to therapeutic approaches for stuttering by emphasizing strategies that target both external speech patterns and internal cognitive processes.

Review Questions

• How does the covert repair hypothesis enhance our understanding of the cognitive processes involved in stuttering?
  • The covert repair hypothesis provides insight into how individuals who stutter may subconsciously monitor and correct their speech in real-time. By suggesting that internal corrections happen prior to vocalization, it highlights the cognitive efforts made by speakers to maintain fluency. This understanding shifts the focus from purely behavioral aspects of stuttering to a more comprehensive view that includes cognitive functioning and its impact on speech production.
• In what ways might stress influence the covert repair process in individuals who stutter?
  • Stress can significantly affect the covert repair process by increasing anxiety and cognitive load for individuals who stutter. Under stress, the ability to effectively manage internal repairs may be compromised, leading to more frequent disfluencies. This situation can create a vicious cycle where increased pressure results in more noticeable stuttering, further elevating stress levels and affecting overall communication.
• Evaluate the implications of the covert repair hypothesis for developing effective therapeutic interventions for stuttering.
  • The covert repair hypothesis has profound implications for therapy by suggesting that interventions should not only focus on reducing visible disfluencies but also address the underlying cognitive processes that contribute to stuttering. By incorporating techniques that enhance self-monitoring skills and reduce anxiety related to speaking situations, therapy can help individuals develop more effective strategies for managing their speech. Additionally, understanding the internal struggle can foster empathy and support from therapists, enabling a more tailored approach to each individual's needs.

Related terms

Disfluency: A disruption in the flow of speech that may include repetitions, prolongations, or blocks, commonly associated with stuttering.

Speech Monitoring: The cognitive process in which speakers evaluate their speech output in real-time, allowing for adjustments and corrections to improve fluency.

Stuttering Severity: A measure used to assess the impact of stuttering on communication, which can include factors like frequency of disfluencies and the duration of interruptions.