LOCUS OF CONTROL, COMMUNICATION APPREHENSION AND SOCIAL AVOIDANCE IN ADULTS WITH STUTTERING DISORDER

Abstract

The study aimed to explore the relationship between locus of control, communication apprehension and social avoidance. Using correlational design ad purposive sampling adults with stuttering disorder aged ranged 18-25 (M = 21.1; SD = 2.1) were approached from speech therapeutic centres in Lahore. The modified stuttering scale (Andrews and Cutler, 1974), Locus of control scale (Rotter, 1966), Communication Apprehension questionnaire (McCroskey, 1984) and Social Avoidance and Distress scale (Watson & Friend, 1969) were used to assess the relationship among variables. Results indicated a significant mediating role of communication apprehension between locus of control and social avoidance. The findings revealed that locus of control was significantly positively correlated with social avoidance, and significantly negatively correlated with communication apprehension, whereas the relationship between communication apprehension and social avoidance was also negatively significant. From the clinical point of view, the research emphasizes the importance of overcoming not just speech fluency but also internal psychological factors in therapeutic intervention among adults who stutter. Beyond individual-level interventions, the findings have broader social and policy implications. Public education campaigns and learning programs can help minimize stigma and encourage the acceptance of stuttering in schools, workplace, and community environments.