Anticipatory Completions in Conversations Between People Who Stutter and People Who Do Not Stutter

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the following topics. (a) What are the specific stuttering moments that trigger anticipatory completions? (b) How do people who stutter (PWS) perceive anticipatory completions of their turn by people who do not stutter (PWNS)? (c) What are the expectations of PWS from PWNS in a conversation between them? Method: In this qualitative study, the researchers used grounded theory to help analyze the collected data. The data sources were 26 observations, conversations, and interviews. A similar version could be used in the body of the text when the study is described. Results: Five out of six participants experienced anticipatory completions during stuttering moments. Hypothesis 1, “Anticipatory completions by PWNS occur at specific stuttering moments,” was accepted. Hypothesis 2, “PWS have negative perceptions and feelings of anticipatory completions by PWNS,” was not verified during interviews with three participants; therefore, the researchers revised Hypothesis 2 into “PWS do not always have negative perceptions and feelings of anticipatory completions by PWNS.” Five out of six participants expected PWNS to let them finish what they are saying; therefore, the researchers accepted Hypothesis 3, “PWS expect PWNS to let them finish what they are saying.” Conclusion: The main findings of this study include verification that the participants used anticipatory completions at specific stuttering moments and nonstuttering moments in one case, PWS do not always have negative perceptions and feelings about anticipatory completions by PWNS, and PWS expect PWNS to let them finish what they are saying.