Review of Studies in clinical psychology

Abstract

Reviews the book, Studies in clinical psychology by Directed and edited by Lee E. Travis (Vol. III. 1937). Psychological Monograph edited by J. F. Dashiell (1937). The reviewer states that the contents of this volume includes nine studies, seven of which are doctoral theses. Four of the theses are experimental "analysis of stuttering and the neuro-physiological processes underlying voluntary, conditioned reflex, and reflex behavior in man." Three are contributions to physiological psychology. The remaining two are studies of the effect of training upon handedness preferences of rats, and of "whether a stutterer is affected in his speaking by listening to other stutterers." All studies were made under the able direction of Professor L. E. Travis and form a part of a large program of research in Clinical Psychology. The purpose was to compare pupillary behavior of stutterers with that of normal speakers under these conditions. The results indicate that "The normal pupillary response to light is altered consistently in dilated diameter, the various speeds and amounts of contraction, and minimum diameter, when spasms are present in the speech of the stutterer." These facts seem to indicate disorganization of nervous functioning during spasms. It is a pioneer work which Professor Travis and his students are doing; a very fundamental work in the judgment of the reviewer. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)