Understanding how attention affects adults who stutter

Information processing biases in adults who stutter: Behavioral and eye-tracking indices of threat-related attention allocation

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS · NIH-10873257

This study is looking at how adults who stutter pay attention to scary or stressful situations, using special tools to see where they focus their eyes, with the hope of finding new ways to help them feel less anxious.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10873257 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how adults who stutter process information, particularly focusing on their attention towards threatening situations. By using behavioral assessments and eye-tracking technology, the study aims to identify patterns in attention allocation that may contribute to anxiety and emotional responses related to stuttering. The goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms that drive these responses, which could lead to better treatment strategies for individuals who stutter.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults who experience stuttering and related anxiety issues.

Not a fit: Patients who do not stutter or do not experience anxiety related to their speech may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic approaches for managing anxiety and emotional challenges faced by individuals who stutter.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that attention biases are significant in anxiety disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for stuttering as well.

Where this research is happening

MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Anxiety Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.