Basic Psychological Needs in Stuttering and Non-stuttering Iranian Students Aged 13 to 17 Years

This study seeks to answer the question: “What is the difference between the basic psychological needs (survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun) of stuttering and non-stuttering students?”

The present study was conducted on 15 stuttering students aged 13 to 17 years as the case group and 15 non-stuttering students (13 males and two females) aged 13 to 17 years as the control group. The formal validity, reliability, and internal consistency of the questionnaire were assessed.

Analysis showed significant differences between the two groups in need of love and belonging, and fun (P<0.001) and stuttering students showed more desire for love, belonging, and fun. Furthermore; analysis indicated insignificant differences between two groups in survival, power, and freedom needs (P<0.001).

Stuttering students are more in need of love and belonging; that is, the need for relationships, social connections, giving and receiving affection, and feeling to be a part of a group. They, moreover, need more to find pleasure, to play, and to laugh.