Effects of an 8-Week Mindfulness Course in People With Voice Disorders
Catherine Kay Brown1, Julinette Vazquez2, Stacie M Metz2
1West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Health Sciences, Center for Contemplative Studies, West Chester, Pennsylvania; Immaculata University, Department of Music, Immaculata, Pennsylvania.
An 8-week mindfulness course significantly reduced stress and voice handicap in individuals with voice disorders (VD). Participants reported improved acceptance of their condition and enhanced quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Hearing Sciences
- Psychology
- Mind-Body Medicine
Background:
- Voice disorders (VD) are commonly treated with stress reduction techniques.
- Mindfulness offers proven stress reduction benefits, yet its application in VD is under-researched.
- This study investigates mindfulness as an intervention for individuals experiencing voice disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if an 8-week mindfulness course can increase mindfulness and decrease stress in people with VD.
- To assess the impact of mindfulness on vocal handicap.
- To explore qualitative changes in participants' experience of their voice disorder.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study involving 69 individuals with VD, divided into a mindfulness course group (MCP) and a waitlist control group (WCG).
- Participants completed the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) pre- and post-intervention.
- Singers also completed the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI); follow-up interviews were conducted with select participants.
Main Results:
- The MCP showed significant improvements: increased MAAS scores and decreased PSS-10, VHI, and SVHI scores.
- Repeated Measures ANOVA indicated statistically significant increases in MAAS and decreases in VHI for the MCP compared to the WCG.
- Qualitative data revealed increased acceptance, reduced stress and physical tension, enhanced somatic awareness, and positive voice changes.
Conclusions:
- An 8-week mindfulness course demonstrates potential for reducing stress and voice handicap in individuals with VD.
- Mindfulness interventions may improve the quality of life for those with voice disorders.
- Further research is recommended to explore mindfulness in specific VD populations and within standard voice therapy protocols.
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