Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Addressing The Need For Depression Inventories In American Sign Language, Josephine F. Wilson, Michelle Niehaus, Jared A. Embree, Deb S. Guthmann, Steven R. Sligar, Janet C. Titus, Annie Welch, Kathy Taylor

JADARA

Using state-of-the-art techniques, the authors interpreted two commonly used depression inventories, the revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9), into American Sign Language (ASL): BDI-II-ASL and PHQ-9-ASL, respectively. A national sample of 361 deaf individuals who preferentially use ASL completed the BDI-II-ASL and PHQ-9-ASL online. BDI-II-ASL and PHQ-9-ASL scores were significantly and positively correlated. The results showed no significant differences in scores due to gender, Deaf cultural identification, race, ethnicity, or employment status. However, the results did show that less education was significantly associated with higher depression scores. The BDI-II-ASL and PHQ-9-ASL require norming in a comparative …

Psychometric Properties Of The Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (Sbq-R) In American Sign Language, Jared A. Embree, Amanda M. Hinson-Enslin, Kathy Taylor, Josephine Wilson

JADARA

Limited research has focused on the risk of suicide within the deaf community, and no published studies to date report SBQ-R scores in deaf populations. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised into American Sign Language (SBQ-R-ASL). After the translation protocol was completed, the SBQ-R-ASL was field-tested with 340 deaf individuals in a national sample. Data analysis indicated satisfactory validity and internal consistency, and a Principal Components Analysis resulted in one factor. Field-test data revealed a mean SBQ-R-ASL score of 8.76, which is above published cutoff scores for suicide risk. These findings demonstrate a crucial …

Social Media Use, Acculturation, And Self-Esteem Of Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Adults, Taylor A. Paglieri, Caroline Kobek Pezzarossi Ph.D, Deborah Schooler

JADARA

Social networking sites (SNSs) have become increasingly popular in modern society; however, research into the impacts of SNS use on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (D/HH) individuals is lacking. Through an online survey completed by 217 D/HH adults, we examined the demographic predictors of SNS use and how frequent SNS use relates to self-esteem. Deaf acculturation, age, attending a mainstream school with support services, and education level were significant predictors of SNS use for D/HH adults. Furthermore, D/HH adults with increased Deaf acculturation and frequent SNS use reported higher self-esteem.

Self-Reported Life Events Among Deaf Emerging Adults—An Exploratory Study, Debra H. Zand, Katherine Pierce

JADARA

This study was undertaken to investigate the self-reported life experiences of a national sample of deaf emerging adults (18 to 30 years). Recruitment was completed through deaf computer listserves. Participants (N=44) rated a variety of life experiences regarding occurrence, impact and valence. A median split was conducted on the age variable yielding 2 groups: younger and older. Results show a trend with the older group reporting events consistent with later stages of emerging adulthood; the younger group experiencing events consistent with early stages of young adulthood (same progression as hearing peers). Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed.

Intimate Partner Violence In The Deaf Community, Teresa V. Crowe

JADARA

Background: Recent indicators show that domestic violence is prevalent in the United States and in the world. Individuals with disabilities, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing are at a higher risk for physical, sexual, and psychological abuse.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to a) investigate the prevalence of intimate partner violence in past and present relationships, b) identify predictors of abusive relationships, and c) categorize support systems for those needing help.

Method: A sample of 167 deaf and hard of hearing individuals completed an anonymous online survey about their current and past relationships.

Results: Results …

Becoming Psychologists: Barriers And Bridges Encountered By Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students In Education And Training Settings, Deborah Schooler, Lori A. Day, Sheila Maynard, Ryanne Rosier, Ashley Pabon, Cara A. Miller, Kathryn Wagner

JADARA

Culturally competent mental health providers are needed to serve deaf and hard of hearing populations. This study used a mixed-methods approach to investigate deaf and hard of hearing students’ experiences of bias, affirmation, and program climate at a bilingual (ASL/written English) university. Results emphasized the importance of access to signed classroom communication and mentoring opportunities with deaf faculty. Participants also described extensive peer conflict, often centering on D/deaf identities, language use, and/or race. Participants also reported experiencing discrimination when seeking internships and externships and wished to see faculty actively engaged in resisting biases experienced during their training.

Deaf Cultural Capital And Its Conflicts With Hearing Culture: Navigational Successes And Failures, Ashley Greene-Woods, Natalie J. Delgado, Beverly Buchanan, Misty Sides, Abbas Ali Behmanesh, Brian Cheslik, Caroline K. Koo, M. Diane Clark

JADARA

Despite the creation and implementation of laws intended to support and protect Deaf individuals, stories of limited opportunities and oppression within the workplace still exist and are pervasive. Current research in regard to Deaf individuals’ upward mobility includes a discussion of cultural capital, Imposter Syndrome, and navigational capital. To further understand the experiences of Deaf individuals, the research team conducted a mixed-methods study utilizing surveys and interviews. The results provided insight regarding challenges experienced by the participants in either-or-both their education and employment. The data suggests that the use of navigational capital was the most significant predictor for upward mobility.

A Qualitative Study Of Differences Among Hearing Parents In Positive Experiences Raising A Deaf Child: An Emergent Model Informed By Positive Psychology​, Amy Szarkowski, Patrick J. Brice

JADARA

The current qualitative study explored the positive, internal, and growth-enhancing experiences hearing parents derived from raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing. Based on characteristics of parents’ process and outcomes of the parenting experiences, three distinct parent patterns were identified. Reflective Positive Parents reflected deeply about their experiences, quickly and easily identified positive experiences, and were open to making adjustments to meet their child’s needs. Engaged Parents contemplated their experiences, yet decisions about how to best support their children in many remained unresolved; this group identified both positive and negative aspects of parenting and attempted to align …

Satisfaction With Life Scale In American Sign Language: Validation And Normative Data, Josephine F. Wilson, Jared Embree, Deb Guthmann, Steven R. Sligar, Janet C. Titus, Kathryn C. Taylor

JADARA

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a brief instrument that assesses a person’s global life satisfaction. Using state-of-the-science techniques, the SWLS was translated into American Sign Language (ASL). A national sample of 350 deaf and hard of hearing individuals who preferentially use ASL completed the ASL version of the SWLS (SWLS-ASL) online. The individuals in this sample had a mean SWLS score of 23.4, well within the range of mean scores reported for samples from general populations of hearing individuals. No significant differences were identified in SWLS-ASL scores due to gender, cultural identification (identified as culturally Deaf or not), …

Does Knowledge Of Dating Violence Keep Deaf College Students At Gallaudet University Out Of Abusive Relationships?, Teresa Crowe Mason

JADARA

Domestic violence is a pervasive and insidious phenomenon in the United States and in the world. Studies of intimate partner violence among people with disabilities are scant and even more scarce for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. The research questions guiding this study are: How much do Gallaudet students know about intimate partner violence, and how many students have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships? The survey sample included a nonrandomized sample of 226 deaf and hard of hearing students at Gallaudet University. Results revealed that the students knew a great deal about intimate partner violence and …

Reliability And Validity Of The Adapter Cope Scale With Deaf College Students, Kelly Wolf Craig, Anna Crisologo, Melissa Anderson, Nadine Sutton, Irene W. Leigh

JADARA

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the reliability and validity of the Adapted Coping Operations Preference Enquiry (COPE) Scale with deaf college students. The Adapted COPE identifies15 strategies for managing stresors. 117 deaf college students from Gallaudet University, between the ages of 18 and 25, participated in the present study. When used with this sample, the majority of the Adapted COPE subscales evidenced high or moderate internal consistency reliability, except for the Mental Disengagement and Active Coping subscales. To investigate structural validity, principle component analysis was conducted utilizing quartimax rotation. Initial analyses retained 17 factors and failed …

Lessons Learned From 23 Years Of A Deaf Psychiatric Inpatient Unit: Part 1, Neil S. Glickman

JADARA

The author was the director or co-director of a specialty Deaf psychiatric inpatient unit for 17 of its 23 years. This program was established as a culturally affirmative mental health program. The author reflects back on what this has meant and how the unit staff struggled to create a program that was both culturally and clinically competent. In Part 1 of this two-part article, the lessons learned about some unique clinical challenges are discussed. These involved the challenges of working with ASL competent deaf persons and with deaf persons with severe language dysfluency in their best language, sign. The question …

Promising Practices Of Statewide Mental Health Models Serving Consumers Who Are Deaf: How To Advocate For Your Model In Your Home State, Michael John Gournaris, Steve Hamerdinger, Roder C. Williams

JADARA

This article provides comprehensive information on how to develop a successful statewide mental health model serving consumers who are Deaf. The article also covers three different statewide models currently in operation in Minnesota, South Carolina, and Alabama, including information about how each program was implemented. The successes, similarities, and differences of each model are analyzed and the information on how to establish and advocate for a statewide mental health model in your home state is discussed.

Deaf Workers Prioritized Workplace Expectations: A Qualitative Study, Kathleen M. Rosengreen, Shawn P. Saladin

JADARA

Employment can still be problematic for many deaf workers, especially those who are prelingually deaf. This article reports qualitative research regarding workplace behavior expectations of deaf workers and their hearing employers. This piece focuses on the signed responses of the participants (N =24) ranking job competencies. The results indicate a lack of correspondence between the respondents and their employers. This article supports the idea of rehabilitation counselors, employers and deaf employees utilizing Correspondence Theory as a framework for ensuring successful job placements for prelingually deaf adults.

Psychosocial Aspects Of Deafness: Implications For Rehabilitation Counselors, Diana M. Eraser, Sandra Hansmann, Shawn P. Saladin

JADARA

Negative societal attitudes toward people with hearing loss can be handicapping. Because of their deafness, people face a multitude of external barriers which become their handicap. The primary barriers or handicaps to this underserved population are two fold, inaccessibility to appropriate services during important milestones in their lives and a misunderstanding of Deaf culture. Rehabilitation counselors are advised to become aware of the types of interventions their Deaf consumers had as children through their education and socialization for in sight to appropriate services. Also discussed is the importance of communication and employer involvement in reducing societal stereotypes.

Gender Differences In Victimization Among Youths With And Without Hearing Loss Admitted To Substance Abuse Treatment, Janet C. Titus

JADARA

The purpose of this study is to examine gender differences in the victimization profiles of deaf and hard of hearing youths presenting to substance abuse treatment and compare them with parallel profiles from their hearing peers. Intake data on 111 deaf and hard of hearing youths (42% female) was analyzed and compared with that from a weighted gender matched sample of hearing youths. Results indicate the victimization histories of the deaf and hard of hearing girls were more severe than those of their male peers. Although the same pattern was observed in the hearing group, the strength of the difference …

Preparing For Battle Against The Hearing Loss: A Narrative Therapy Approach, Michael A. Harvey

JADARA

This case study describes brief psychotherapy with a 67-year-old man who had a severe-to- profound hearing loss. In his words, he began treatment "to get my wife off my back," as his wife wanted him to be evaluated for hearing aids. The therapist used a narrative treatment approach to externalize and personify the hearing loss and also to facilitate "remembering" conversations concerning the patient's grandfather. Clinical vignettes and theoretical notes are offered.

College Drinking Among Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Students, Teresa Crowe Mason, James Schiller

JADARA

College drinking has been the focus of numerous studies and public scrutiny in recent years (Associated Press, 2004; Core Institute,2003; Harvard School of Public Health, 2002; O'Hare,1997). Alcohol abuse is associated with psychological problems (e.g. depression, suicide, and anxiety), interpersonal issues (such as violent behavior and unplanned sex), and social problems (drunk driving) (Mohler-Kuo, Dowdall, Koss, & Weschsler,2004; O'Hare,1997; Paschall, 2003; Perkins, 2002). The aim of this study was to investigate the negative consequences associated with drinking alcohol among deaf and hard of hearing college students. In addition, the researchers gathered information regarding the students' ideas about alcohol prevention for …

The Impact Of College Training And Vocational Rehabilitation Services On Employment For Consumers With Hearing Loss, Daniel L. Boutin

JADARA

Many deaf and hard of hearing consumers of the federal vocational rehabilitation (VR) program choose higher education training while similar consumers bypass college and prepare for work through other means. An ex-post facto study was conducted to determine which VR services predict competitive employment for two subgroups of consumers: those with hearing loss who received college training and those with hearing loss who did not receive college training. A comparison of the findings from multiple logistic regression analyses run on cases within a database of the Rehabilitation Services Administration reveal differences in effective services across these two subgroups.

Increasing The Health Outcomes Of Deaf And Hard Of Hearing Oklahomans Through Tobacco Awareness And Cessation Support, Sharon Baker, Glenna Cooper, Jimmy Mitchell, Judy Morgan

JADARA

As a consequence of limited access to health information, Deaf and hard of hearing (Deaf/ hh)’ individuals may be at higher risk for health complications and tobacco-related diseases. To address this issue, Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) of Oklahoma sought funding from the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust to implement the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Tobacco Use and Cessation Program. The five-year project began in 2006; it was the first major health education initiative in the state that focused on the Deaf community. Prevalence rates and demographic information were collected regarding tobacco use among Deaf/hh participants. In addition, …

Childhood Trauma: Considering Diagnostic And Culturally Sensitive Treatment Approaches For Deaf Clients, Tomina Schwenke

JADARA

As the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR, 1994) is under revision, the complexity of diagnosing and treating childhood trauma with the current trauma-related diagnoses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)is being debated (van der Kolk,2 005). Regarding deaf individuals, significant differences in symptom presentation (e.g., avoidance/numbing, hyperarousal, and re-experiencing symptoms) suggest that caution is needed when using the current criterion for the diagnosis of PTSD within this population (Schild & Dalenberg, 2011). Despite diagnostic uncertainties, it is generally accepted that regardless of hearing status, early childhood is a critical period for the development …

Spirituality, Religion, And Mental Health Among Deaf And Hard Of Hearing People: A Review Of The Literature, David A. Barclay, Matthew A. Rider, Eileen A. Dombo

JADARA

Spirituality is increasingly being used in both assessment and intervention strategies. Available peer-reviewed literature and recent published dissertations are reviewed related to spirituality and religion among deaf and hard of hearing people. Knowledge is integrated in the context of mental health practitioners who work with deaf and hard of hearing people. Several themes including disability meanings, communication, family dynamics, and macro accessibility and representation are identified as topics to be applied to current mental health practice and future mental health research related to spirituality among deaf and hard of hearing people.

Recruiting Deaf And Diverse Teachers: Priorities Of Preservice Teachers In Deaf Education, Melissa Ausbrooks, Sharon Baker, Joyce Daugaard

JADARA

The need to increase teacher diversity in deaf education has been a national concern over the last decade. The ethnic, racial, cultural, and linguistic composition of the teaching force has remained relatively unchanged; White, hearing, females make up the majority of the teaching force. In sharp contrast, the K-12 student population has become increasingly diverse which creates a chasm that is unlikely to change during the next decade without focused effort. This study considered group demographics and implications for culturally- responsive recruiting practices. The need for improved recruitment of Deaf professionals and diverse professionals is discussed, along with other associated …

Contemporary Society And The Issues Facing Deaf Baby Boomers When Compared To Their Hearing Counterparts: A Review, Timothy J. Ainger, Elizabeth Romero, David M. Feldman

JADARA

In today's society, it is important for researchers and practitioners to note that the generation known as the Baby Boomers is more than a socio-demographic clump; it represents a significant part of the population. This paper will be reviewing the issues facing the deaf baby boomer’s population and how they are contrasted to their hearing counterparts. The areas examined include social/political, technological, physical health care, and mental healthcare. In each area, this paper aims to illustrate that it can sometimes be difficult for deaf individuals in the baby boomer generation to find and utilize any number of societal resources.

Employment And Independent Living Skills Of Public School High School Deaf Students: Analyses Of The Transition Competence Battery Response Patterns, Pamela Luft

JADARA

The Transition Competence Battery was used to study employment and independent living skill preparation of 38 of Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HH) students from four public high school programs. Participants demonstrated substantial needs in performing standard computations, in recognizing common terminology and across several independent living competencies. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant improvements in two subtest scores for employment subtests with none for independent living. Poor overall competency levels suggest that vocational rehabilitation counselors should expect some skill and training needs. This assessment may assist in identifying needs that impact career success.

Lessons Learned From 23 Years Of Deaf Psychiatric Inpatient Unit: Part 2, Neil S. Glickman

JADARA

The author was the director or co-director of a specialty Deaf psychiatric inpatient unit for 17 of its 23 years. In Part 1 of this article, the author reflected on the lessons learned about deaf psychiatric patients from this experience. These lessons include recognition of the wide continuum of communication skills and deficits of the deaf persons served and the significant numbers of deaf patients who have poor communication skills in any language. The author also supported the hypothesis that many deaf psychiatric patients have a particular disorder involving language dysfluency, related mainly to language deprivation and an array of …

Trauma Informed Care With Deaf Persons (With By Proxy Assistance From Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor), Michael A. Harvey

JADARA

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Engaging Deaf Persons With Language And Learning Challenges And Sexual Offending Behaviors In Sex Offender-Oriented Mental Health Treatment, Neil S. Glickman, Catherine M. Smith, Susan Lemere

JADARA

The authors present a framework and practical strategies for engaging deaf persons who have language and learning challenges as well as sexual offending behaviors in sex offender oriented mental health treatment. Current treatment approaches for persons who commit sexual offenses are reviewed along with modifications that have been made for persons with intellectual impairments. The additional challenges when the persons referred are deaf and poor language users are explored. The treatment resources for helping this sub group of deaf persons with highly specialized needs are limited, and the common fallacy that a "signing clinician" with some knowledge of sexual offending …

Managing Dual Relationships For Rehabilitation Professionals Who Work With Clients Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing, Julia A. Smith

JADARA

This article discusses the importance of ethical standards for rehabilitation counselors who work with clients who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Rehabilitation professionals in this field are often faced with the possible ethical dilemma of having overlapping relationships at personal, business, or other professional levels. Although dual relationships can occur with any counselor/client interaction, this ethical question is particularly pronounced due to the small number of members in the Deaf and hard of hearing community and the fewer relationship options. This article outlines eight steps to making sound ethical decisions as well as how to manage dual relationships for …

Perceptions Of Hiv/Aids: A Conversation With Deaf Adults In Kwa Zulu-Natal Province, South Africa, Marquessa Brown, Zethu Mkhize

JADARA

The study used qualitative research methods to examine cultural beliefs, specifically those that are spiritual, as well as gender-related norms to explicate HIV/AIDS risk behaviors among deaf persons residing in rural and peri-urban areas of Kwa Zulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Existing findings, though limited, suggest that there are insufficient understandings among deaf South Africans about HIV/AIDS. While the deaf population exceeds 4 million, they are among the least educated, most illiterate, and least employed, and experience higher rates of poverty. These are all factors that may contribute to a greater incidence of HIV infection; however, there is a dearth of …