Handicap vocal: mesura i relació amb el neuroticisme

Vocal handicap: measurement and relationship with neuroticismThe measure of voice handicap is an important element in the evaluation of the dysphonia. Many factors can be present in the onset of dysphonia and one of them can be personality traits. The present study aims at assessing the degree of validity of the Voice Handicap Index-10 in the detection of voice disorders and determining a cut-off, determining the influence of the personality traits neuroticism and extraversion on functional voice pathology, and finding out how these personality raits affect the different VHI-10 subscales. Eysenck’s EPQ-RS and VHI-10 questionnaires were administered to a sample of 115 people with voice disorders and 74 healthy people. Results allow us to conclude that VHI-10 is a reliable instrument, valid and consistent of the perception of voice handicap. We can also state that the trait defined by Eysenck as neuroticism is more present in people with voice impairment, and in this group there is a greater tendency towards introversion. Finally, we can affirm that these personality traits do not influence the three subscales in a different way.