Publication Date

Spring 2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Communicative Disorders and Sciences

Advisor

Pei-Tzu Tsai; Paul Cascella; Theresa Jingyun Yao

Abstract

Video game voice actors (VGVAs) perform vocally demanding tasks to bring video game characters to life, and are at high risk for voice disorders. This exploratory study aims to characterize vocal health in VGVAs by investigating the relationships between health literacy, health information seeking behavior, and vocal hygiene practices. Thirty-one VGVAs completed an anonymous online survey. Data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach: quantitative health literacy scores were calculated, and qualitative data underwent inductive thematic analysis in NVivo. Results show that VGVAs are highly proactive with their vocal health due to their desire for career longevity and their professional vocal identity, despite showing limited health literacy, reliance on peer-informed health information, and barriers to accessing healthcare. These findings suggest that initiatives to enhance vocal health outcomes in VGVAs should integrate community-informed lived experiences with evidence-based practices, especially in the areas of vocal health education outreach and access to voice healthcare professionals when needed.

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