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I wandered off my usual research path this morning for some reason and found myself looking into selective mutism. Actually, I was looking for studies on connections between early thyroid disorders and mutism. I had selective mutism as a child, although in the mid-1950s, I'm not sure they had a name for it. I do know, however, that because of the various probing that was done (i.e., IQ tests, etc. to see if I could enter first grade, more IQ tests to see if I could pass 6th grade). For decades, I lived with the feeling that there was "something wrong" with me. This, I believe, had a devastating effect on the entire course of my life.
Decades later, while in graduate school, I couldn't help but notice that all too often, pathology is viewed in a lopsided manner. Those who are too shy or too quiet are not left simply to be themselves, while the more boisterous, perhaps even those with pressured speech, more easily fall into the 'norm' category. Perhaps this is just more evidence that we have a long way to go before we stop underestimating the value of qualitative versus quantitative research, male-based versus male- and female-based research studies, and the true diversity of human expression. And most of all, how do we study these so-called "disorders" without destroying the inner person in the process?
Bobbie Ingersoll
Eugene, OR
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