Stammering. A Psychoanalytic Interpretation

Abstract

Stammering is due to a libidinal fixation at the oral-erotic level; it may be regarded on the one hand as a prolongation of the infantile pleasure in sucking, and on the other as a resistance to the betrayal through speech of the real nature of the source of satisfaction. The fear affect proceeds from the danger that the ego may be overwhelmed by the unsublimated libidinal tendencies. Stammerers are fundamentally optimistic and narcissistic. Psychoanalytic treatment is peculiarly difficult on account of the latter factor, and should be directed against the oral libido primarily. There is a short chapter on the prevention of stammering, and a bibliography of 42 titles. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)