Citation

Monti E, D'Andrea W, Carroll LM, Norton K, Miron N, Resto O, Toscano K, Williams J, Harris D, Irene L, Maass A. Eur. J. Psychotraumatol. 2024; 15(1): e2358681.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, The Author(s), Publisher Co-action Publishing)

DOI

10.1080/20008066.2024.2358681

PMID

38837122

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that potential perpetrators and individuals high in psychopathic traits tend to body language cues to target a potential new victim. However, whether targeting occurs also by tending to vocal cues has not been examined. Thus, the role of voice in interpersonal violence merits investigation.

OBJECTIVE: In two studies, we examined whether perpetrators could differentiate female speakers with and without sexual and physical assault histories (presented as rating the degree of 'vulnerability' to victimization).

METHODS: Two samples of male listeners (sample one N = 105, sample two, N = 109) participated. Each sample rated 18 voices (9 survivors and 9 controls). Listener sample one heard spontaneous speech, and listener sample two heard the second sentence of a standardized passage. Listeners' self-reported psychopathic traits and history of previous perpetration were measured.

RESULTS: Across both samples, history of perpetration (but not psychopathy) predicted accuracy in distinguishing survivors of assault.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the potential role of voice in prevention and intervention. Gaining a further understanding of what voice cues are associated with accuracy in discerning survivors can also help us understand whether or not specialized voice training could have a role in self-defense practices.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; trauma; assault; victimization; perpetration; Voice; Voz; *Survivors/psychology; *Voice; agresión; Crime Victims/psychology; Cues; perpetración; victimización