The effectiveness of the simulation mind model on reducing stress and increasing cognitive flexibility in adult with stuttering disorder

Introduction: Many stutterers suffer from excessive stress and deficit in cognitive inflexibility. Mind Simulation Model is a new treatment proposed for stuttering and its related problems. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of mind simulation model on stress reduction and cognitive flexibility enforcement in adult with stuttering disorder. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design and a control group. The number of 30 people with stuttering disorder referring to Mind Enabling Center were selected through available sampling method and put randomly into the experimental (N=15) and control (N=15) groups. Study tools included Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al, 1983), Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (Taghizadeh and Nik Khah, 2015), and treatment protocol of mind simulation model (derived from Taghizadeh's therapeutic- educational package of stuttering). First, basic levels of stress and cognitive flexibility were measured as the pre-tests. Then, the experimental group participated in 12 individual and grouping sessions of treatment based on mind simulation model, while the control group received no intervention. At the end, both groups completed the post-tests. The data was analysed via Multivariate Covariance Analysis (MANCOVA) via SPSS-23. Results: After controlling the pre-tests scores, it was manifested that treatment based on mind simulation model could reduce stress (P<0.01) and improve cognitive flexibility (P<0.05) in the experimental group compare to those in the control group. Conclusion: It can be claimed that mind simulation model can significantly treat stutter and its related problems in adults through mind empowerment.