Behavior, Social Competence, and Voice Disorders in Childhood and Adolescence

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis. This study aimed to verify the relationships among voice change complaints, indicators of competence, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Study Design. This is a prospective study. Methods. A sample of 103 parents/guardians completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6-18 years. The mean age and gender were very similar between the participants with and without voice complaints. Results. Regarding the competences, no differences were found between the participants with and without voice complaints. The group with voice complaints presented higher total scores and T-scores in the both anxiety/depression and somatic complaints domains and in the internalising, externalizing, and total scales. The total scores and T-scores on the internalising, externalizing, and total scales, as well as those of their domains (anxiety/depression, somatic complaints, social problems, thought problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behavior, and aggressive behavior), differed between children and adolescents with and without voice complaints. Conclusions. Children and adolescents with complaints of voice disorder demonstrate a potential risk of developing emotional/behavioral problems.