Stuttering's impact extends beyond speech, affecting various aspects of life with enduring adverse effects. Adults who stutter (AWS) often experience lower quality of life, marked by instances of bullying, heightened emotional reactivity, and communication apprehension.
Current consensus suggests higher social anxiety prevalence in AWS, yet the relationship between communication, anxiety, and stuttering is complex. Amidst COVID-19 changes, the study explores these dynamics in individuals who stutter, revealing that wearing masks may hold different meanings for those with social anxiety.
While masks became a global discomfort, impacting communication, some individuals with social anxiety found them a tool to conceal visible anxiety. Our qualitative study, interviewing 20 adults who stuttered during the pandemic, delves into the complex interplay between anxiety, stuttering, and communication.
Results identified two main themes—masks as a communication barrier and fear of negative evaluation—providing insights into how mask-wearing hampers conversation flow and shapes interpersonal dynamics and self-perception.
Our results indicated that most people who stutter prioritize communication over safety behaviors and avoidance. Our presentation will explore how speech pathologists can apply these findings in clinical practice, navigating the intricate relationship between anxiety, communication, and stuttering in this population.
This presentation will delve into the identified themes in the study, incorporating quotes from individuals who stutter (AWS). These quotes offer additional insights into the interplay between stuttering and anxiety in AWS, serving as a guide on how understanding the speaker's experience of stuttering can enhance stuttering therapy.

Upon concluding my presentation, participants will gain insights into the following key points:

1- Stuttering transcends mere speech dysfluency and encompasses multifaceted aspects.
2- The example of mask-wearing illustrates how the experiences of individuals who stutter regarding a phenomenon can significantly differ from those who do not stutter.
3- In assessing and managing stuttering, it is crucial to acknowledge avoidance and safety behaviors rooted in unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about stuttering.