Knowledge and needs of theology students on voice and vocal hygiene at a South African institution of higher education
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Date
Authors
Maasz, Johan Jacobus
Van der Riet, Sonika
Henriët, Marinique
Britz, Leanet
Graham, Marien Alet
Du Toit, Maria Neethling
Van der Linde, Jeannie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sage
Abstract
Preachers are professional voice users (PVUs) who regularly experience high vocal demands, often leading to vocal difficulties or disorders. Research has established that this often occurs due to a lack of sufficient knowledge of the vocal mechanism and vocal hygiene in this population. Student preachers are therefore also considered to be a potential at-risk group for the development of vocal difficulties once they enter the occupation. This study therefore aimed to determine the knowledge and needs of theology students at a South African institution of higher education regarding voice production and vocal hygiene. A cross sectional online survey using non-probability purposive and convenience sampling was distributed to participants through email to obtain data on the education, training, needs, and knowledge of voice production, vocal hygiene, and voice use among the participants. A clear need was observed for education and training on vocal health and hygiene amongst the study population. The participants presented with limited knowledge about voice production and vocal hygiene, however, they also reported to not regularly implement this limited knowledge in day-to-day voice use or practice. This study found a willingness among participants to learn more about voice and vocal hygiene. This study confirmed that theology students, as future PVUs, receive minimal-to-no training on voice and vocal hygiene, despite their increased risk for voice difficulties.
Description
DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data collected in this study was submitted
to the University of Pretoria’s Figshare Research Data Repository
(https://researchdata.up.ac.za/articles/dataset/Vocal_knowedge_and_needs_of_theology_students/22696294) and is available for viewing by anyone.
Keywords
Student preachers, Survey research design, Vocal hygiene, Vocal knowledge, Vocal needs, Professional voice user (PVU), SDG-03: Good health and well-being, SDG-04: Quality education
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
SDG-04:Quality Education
SDG-04:Quality Education
Citation
Maasz, J. J., van der Riet, S., Henriët, M., Britz, L., du Toit, M. N., Graham, M. A., & van der Linde, J. (2025). Knowledge and Needs of Theology Students on Voice and Vocal Hygiene at a South African Institution of Higher Education. Communication Disorders Quarterly, 46(3), 158-167. https://doi.org/10.1177/15257401241254808.