Adjustment Problems of Laryngectomized Women

Author:
  • WGWarren H. Gardner
    Warren H. Gardner
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Abstract
THE PROBLEMS of women who have undergone laryngectomy have not been discussed previously in the literature. At the convention of the International Association of Laryngectomees in Indianapolis in 1963, the female members gave a style show. The display of formal gowns, hostess and breakfast costumes, and attractive recreational attire demonstrated that the woman who has had a laryngectomy can be well dressed without attracting attention to the surgical scars in the neck. Year after year, the IAL programs have listed speakers who gave advice on how wives can ease the adjustments of their laryngectomized husbands and never on how husbands can ease the problems of their laryngectomized wives. In this paper the psychological and adjustment problems of female laryngectomees are considered. Names of 625 laryngectomized women were obtained from the secretaries of local Lost Chord Clubs of the IAL. The names and addresses of the patients were obtained through special