Using a grounded theory approach, four clusters were identified that represent patterns of coping by adults who stutter. In order to understand the complexities within the coping responses of speakers to the experience of stuttering, this first of two companion papers summarizes the literature on the human coping response to stress and the nature of two of the four main findings identified. These findings describe a coping process that emphasizes strategies of protecting both the speaker and the listener from experiencing discomfort associated with stuttering. The companion paper describes the remaining two main findings that emphasize the characteristics of self-focused and action oriented coping responses. EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The reader will be able to: (1) describe, from the perspective of a select group of adults who stutter, the themes associated with the process of coping with stuttering, (2) describe the basic rationale for the procedures associated with grounded theory methods, (3) describe the factors that influence the choice to use emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies, and (4) explain the factors that contribute to the use of methods of escape.