What might be the expected outcome of applying cognitive behavioral therapy for stuttering patients?

Applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for stuttering patients primarily focuses on altering the cognitive patterns and behaviors that contribute to the individual's experience of stuttering. One of the significant outcomes of this therapy is improving self-confidence in social settings. Stuttering often leads to social anxiety and a fear of judgment, which can create a negative cycle of avoidance and further increase the severity of the speech disorder. By addressing these cognitive and emotional components, CBT helps individuals change their negative thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and build confidence when speaking in various situations. This enhancement in self-esteem can empower stuttering patients to engage more freely in conversations without the burden of fear, leading to a more positive experience in social interactions.

While other options, such as reducing stuttering severity or enhancing speech clarity, might also result from therapeutic interventions, the core focus of CBT lies in transforming the individual's mindset and self-perception, thereby primarily boosting self-confidence in social situations.