The impact of the reactivity to stress in teachers with voice problems

Abstract

Aims: One of the objectives of our study on voice and vocal health was to find out whether there is a relation between the reactivity to stress and voice problems in teachers. Materials and Methods: For this, we used a sample of 447 individuals amongst future teachers and teachers in active service, since they form a group with both a high index of voice problems and stress. In order to gather the necessary information for the study, we applied the Voice Handicap Index and the 'índice de reactividad al estrés' (IRE; Stress Reactivity Index). Results: The results indicate that those individuals with voice problems have a greater reactivity to stress. It was observed that some items of the IRE show a relatively great difference between the groups with and without voice problems. The majority of these items concern vegetative signs that are linked to aspects of voice emission. Conclusion: Reactivity to stress is a useful factor to bear in mind in teachers with voice problems. © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.