Vocal behavior and psychopathology

An overview of voice parameters such as fundamental frequency, intensity, spectral characteristics, and formants is given, and ways to measure such parameters are demonstrated. Furthermore, an attempt is made to link voice parameters theoretically to emotions and psychopathology. The relevance of voice parameters is demonstrated by reporting results of studies on vocal indicators of different emotions, on differences between depressives and schizophrenics, as well as on voice changes during the course of psychotherapy. The importance of voice characteristics as a diagnostic tool is discussed within the framework of a general model of person perception, the Brunswikean lens model.