Gesture Production, Motor Skills, and Disfluencies Observed in Typically Developing Preschoolers

Interest in gesture production has considerably increased in recent decades, yet few studies have examined the preschool population. Even fewer studies have examined the intriguing interaction between motor skills and gesture. The original intent of this study was to investigate the relationship of gesture and motor skills in individuals who stutter. However due to recruitment limitations the enrolled sample consists solely of typically developing preschoolers, 3:8 to 6:6 years. Data are presented on gestures and disfluencies during spontaneous speech, a cartoon narration, and a video narration. Additionally, disfluencies were observed during a procedural description task with restricted hand use and hand tapping. Data indicated that higher frequencies of gestures and disfluencies were seen during the cartoon narration. A greater frequency of disfluencies was also experienced with restricted hand use. Relationships between the variables were also explored. Limitations and implications of these results are discussed from both theoretical and clinical perspectives.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Speech-Language Pathology (SLP)

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Beatty, Christina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Heather Leavy Rusiewicz
• Gary J. Rentschler
• Craig Coleman

• Children
• Development
• Disfluencies
• Gesture
• Motor skills
• Preschool

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/282

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-1286