>But, a more scientific answer would be: >A self-image: Introjection basically changes our identification (attaching to something negative/positive) and the image that we see ourselves as. Regarding introjection, whenever others project their ideas or fantasies onto us (at early onset) (remember, young children are extremely receptive to introjection from their parents), and we adopt these maladaptive projected images and rules (as a defense mechanism to cope with the situation). Then I think that by starting to believe in the fact that execution-difficulty type stuttering is an immutable or unrecoverable disorder - is actually what is increasing the defense mechanism that prevents the execution of speech motor plans. So in one viewpoint, I wanted to go back to my "safe" stutter mindset, in which I'm coping with stuttering in any other form or shape (i.e., developmental attention).. relying on tricks to get past a block. It was my way of speaking after all, I had made it my habit to stutter in this way (I had come this far) - so letting go of this.. I was not ready for it. >More scientifically speaking, the scientific Health Belief model - shows that 'perceived susceptibility' ("The belief about getting a disease or condition") might increase perceived threat. So, if we would then apply this model to our error-avoidance mechanism, believing that stuttering is always looming around the corner (because this is what our stutter disorder means) - directly influences the likelihood of engaging in health-promoting behavior, that is, it influences the mechanism that prevents or allows the execution of speech plans or thoughts from saying out loud. Scientifically speaking, a self-image (of a stutterer) falls under higher-level predictions. >Evan Usler (PhD) states: >"Higher-level predictions (i.e., complex, conscious predictions) include generalized predictions e.g., prediction of self as an effective communicator. Higher-level predictions of action sequencing unfold on longer timescales (such as sentences). Higher-level predictions inform the self as exhibiting agentic control over the environment. Model underfitting is a problem of being overly simple and reliant on these outdated and imprecise predictions." Research findings suggest that cognitive and higher-order functions could be involved in mediating stuttering recovery.