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

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.

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.

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.

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.

3b Laryngoscope, 126:2063-2066, 2016.