Adaptive and Maladaptive Processes in Individuals Who Had Experienced Selective Mutism

Abstract

  Because evidence has suggested that individuals who have experienced selective mutism (SM) may become maladapted even after their mutism has improved, this can be an issue for individuals who are in remission. The purposes of the present study were to elucidate specific difficulties of individuals who had experienced selective mutism and to examine the process by which they reached their present state. Individuals who had experienced selective mutism (N=19) were interviewed, after which the interviews were analyzed using a Modified Grounded Theory Approach (M-GTA; a qualitative research method widely used in Japan), and a process model was generated. The model included 5 categories: temperament, negative experiences with selective mutism, maladaptation after remission, improvement in maladaptation, and adaptation, and 21 concepts. It was found that temperament and negative experiences with selective mutism influenced maladaptation after remission, and that maladaptation could lead to adaptation through improvement in maladaptation. The following were found to be useful for improvement: reducing the need to speak, reducing anxiety and tension, and improving speaking skills. The findings of the present study may help individuals who have experienced selective mutism and who have become maladapted to improve their state.