Correlation between personality type and vocal pathology: A nonrandomized case control study

• Published in: The Laryngoscope 2016-09, Vol.126 (9), p.2063-2066
• Main Authors: Nerurkar, Nupur K., Kapre, Gauri M., Kothari, Nehal N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Diseases - epidemiology; Laryngeal Diseases - psychology; loudness of speech; Male; Middle Aged; Pathology; Personality; Personality type; Prospective Studies; speed of speech; Type A Personality; Type B Personality; Vocal Cords; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0023-852X; 1531-4995
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.25810

Objectives/Hypothesis In this study we have made an attempt to find out if there is any correlation with type of personality (type A or B) and incidence of vocal pathology, subsequent to a tendency of vocal abuse. We also noted the loudness of speech and rate of speech for both personality types and compared these parameters for each personality type. Study Design A total of 100 subjects (50 with vocal pathologies and 50 with normal vocal folds) underwent voice and personality assessment, and the above‐mentioned factors were compared with statistical methods. Results It was found that subjects with type A personality had a statistically significant increased incidence of vocal pathology, as compared to those with type B personality (P = .04). The other two parameters (i.e., loudness of speech and rate of speech) were both found to be higher in subjects with type A personality than those with type B, but did not attain statistical significance. Conclusions This study shows that there is a very close relationship between personality type and voice quality, and the incidence of vocal abuse and subsequent vocal pathologies are heavily governed by the person's personality traits. Level of Evidence 3b Laryngoscope, 126:2063–2066, 2016