Key findings from the study highlight:
- Positive Peer Relationships: Despite early experiences of bullying, many DHH adolescents report positive and rewarding relationships with their peers, often facilitated by supportive school environments and positive personal traits.
- Barriers to Friendship: Adolescents with moderate hearing loss face significant barriers in making new friends, often feeling different due to their hearing aids or FM systems. They find it easier to make friends in school settings and through social media where their hearing loss is less apparent.
- Gender Differences: DHH girls report more conflicts and infrequent interactions in their friendships compared to boys, indicating a need for targeted support in developing peer relationships.
To enhance peer relationships for DHH adolescents, practitioners can implement several strategies:
- Promote Deaf Awareness: Conduct deaf awareness training for hearing peers and school staff to foster an inclusive environment that understands and accommodates the needs of DHH students.
- Support Moderate Hearing Loss: Pay special attention to adolescents with moderate hearing loss, ensuring they receive the same level of support as those with severe or profound hearing loss.
- Leverage Social Media: Encourage the use of social media as a tool for building and maintaining friendships, while also teaching safe and responsible online behavior.
Encouraging further research and continued focus on the social-emotional development of DHH adolescents can lead to better outcomes and a more inclusive society.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Peer Relationship Experiences Of Deaf And Hard-Of-Hearing Adolescents.
