Audio-Psycho-Phonology: A Comparative Outcome Study on Anxious Primary School Pupils

In thirteen evaluation studies of Audio-Psycho-Phonology (APP) mainly positive results were reported. However, the intrinsic contribution of APP to these favourable outcomes is questioned, in view of underlying methodological problems. This investigation was planned to eliminate such design deficits and to effect a more rigorous evaluation of the APP approach on a group of anxious primary school pupils. Forty subjects from the primary school population of Potchefstroom were identified as anxious by the teaching staff. From this target group pupils were assigned to three groups: 10 pupils who completed an APP programme; 9 pupils who were subjected to an alternative therapy programme; and a non-intervention control group of 10 pupils. Control measures included determining pre-treatment group equivalence, controlling the integrity of both treatment programmes, and controlling the effect of therapist competence. The results confirmed significant positive changes following both programmes, but no change in the control group. On a number of variables the APP group achieved significantly better results than the alternative therapy group, especially with regard to hearing and listening. A follow-up study confirmed the long-term effect of the intervention.