Understanding Attention Patterns in Adults Who Stutter
Information processing biases in adults who stutter: Behavioral and eye-tracking indices of threat-related attention allocation
This project explores how adults who stutter pay attention to potentially threatening situations, hoping to better understand the emotional challenges they face.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Memphis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126848 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at why adults who stutter often experience difficult emotions like anxiety and social isolation. We believe that how a person pays attention to their surroundings, especially to things they perceive as threatening, might play a big role. Using special eye-tracking technology and behavioral tasks, we will observe if adults who stutter tend to focus more on or have trouble shifting away from perceived threats. This could help us understand the underlying reasons for the emotional impact of stuttering.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project is designed for adults who stutter and experience emotional responses related to their speech.
Not a fit: Patients who do not stutter or are not adults would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to help adults who stutter manage the emotional and social challenges associated with their condition.
How similar studies have performed: Similar attention bias patterns have been observed in individuals with anxiety, suggesting this approach could be relevant for stuttering.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- University of Memphis — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eichorn, Naomi — University of Memphis
- Study coordinator: Eichorn, Naomi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.