The Type-D personality and the teaching voice

George Thomas, Felix I.C.R.S. de Jong

The aims of the study were to assess the voice handicap of Type-D and non-Type-D teachers using the VHI and to assess reporting of voice complaints and seeking of voice care. Type-D teachers were selected using the DS16 (N="249/876)." Type-D scored higher than the median score for both negative affectivity (6) and social inhibition (12). Voice complaints were estimated on a nominal scale (yes/no) in a voice questionnaire. The Type-D group had significantly higher VHI scores (median 10) than non-Type-D (median 7) (p < 0.001). However, the Type-D group did not report more voice complaints (yes/no) than the non-Type-D group (p="0.755)." A significantly greater percentage of Type-D (32.4%) than non-Type-D (21.0%) had VHI scores greater than the 75^th percentile (p="0.001)" Even among subjects who did not report voice complaints a significantly greater percentage of Type-D (19.9%) than non-Type-D (8.1%) had VHI scores > 75 percentile (p < 0.001). Among all subjects with VHI scores > 75 percentile Type-D subjects sought voice care less frequently than non-Type-D subjects (p < 0.05). Even among subjects who reported voice complaints Type-D subjects sought voice care less frequently than non-Type-D subjects (p < 0.05). Although a greater percentage of Type-D were vocally handicapped they did not report more voice complaints, nor did not seek more voice care. Even when they reported voice complaints (yes/no) Type-D still did not seek care as frequently as non-Type-D. Therefore, the Type-D personality appeared to be a risk for a greater negative impact on the teaching voice.

Dr George Thomas, Prof. Dr. Felix I.C.R.S. de Jong

Prof. dr. FICRS de Jong
Neus- Keel- Oorziekten, Gelaat- en Halschirurgie
UZ St. Rafaël
Kapucijnenvoer 33
B-3000 Leuven
Tel +32 (0) 16 332342 Fax + 32 (0) 16 332335
f.dejong@kno.umcn.nl