The perception of voice handicap in singers: its relationship with perfectionism and perceived stress

Abstract

Introduction Research indicates that psychological factors such as stress and perfectionism play a crucial role in voice problems, either triggering them or intensifying the perception of difficulty. This study examines the relationship between voice handicap, perceived stress, and perfectionism in singers, exploring the impact of factors such as vocal role (soloists, choral singers, and students), music genre, years of professional experience, and the correlation between performance competency perception, perceived stress, and perfectionism. Method 155 singers (choral singers, soloists, and students) were assessed using the Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10), along with an ad hoc questionnaire exploring their perception of performance in the work context. Results Correlations were found between SVHI-10, PSS-10, and MPS, although the behavior varied depending on vocal role (p < .01) and years of professional experience (p < .01), except for perceived stress (p = .07). Among the MPS subscales, “Fear of mistakes” and “Expectations of success” showed stronger correlations with SVHI-10 (p < .01) compared to the other subscales. Singers who experienced their performance more negatively than positively in the work context had higher scores on all three scales. Conclusions This study explored the complex relationship between voice handicap, perceived stress, and perfectionism in singers, revealing role-based differences. Students displayed the highest scores across all scales, in contrast with experienced singers who had lower scores. These findings emphasize the need to address psychological factors in vocal training and support programs.