Summary
Purpose
Vocal fatigue (VF) is a primary vocal symptom experienced by professional voice users,
such as teachers, whose voice is an occupational tool. The study determines the utilization
of the Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI), a 19-item scale in identifying symptoms of VF and
its severity in teachers.
Methods
Using responses of 695 teachers who completed the VFI, Mokken scaling was conducted
on the items to identify the experiences of VF and its associated hierarchical nature
of VF symptoms in teachers. Mokken scaling was completed on a total of four groups:
(a) Total teachers group, (b) No VF group, (c) Low VF group, and (d) High VF group.
Results
Results revealed differences in item hierarchies between total teachers and across
the separate groups of VF severity. Item hierarchy for teachers highlighted items
from physical discomfort at the mild end of the hierarchy to items from symptom improvement
with rest at the severe end of the hierarchy. Items related to avoidance presented
as a separate scale for teachers presenting with high VF.
Discussion
Mokken scaling in teachers provides insight into the underlying complexity of the
experience of VF symptoms and reliance on differential behavioral strategies in its
management, suggesting the heterogenous nature of latent trait for VF in this specific
population.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 29, 2021
Accepted:
December 21,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
