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Self-concept and ego development in deaf adolescents: a comparative study
Tiejo van Gent1, Arnold W Goedhart, Harry E T Knoors
1Royal Dutch Kentalis, GD Sint Michielsgestel, The Netherlands. t.vangent@kentalis.nl
Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education
|February 22, 2012
Summary
Deaf adolescents reported lower self-concept and ego development than hearing peers. Support for signing and parent communication positively impacted self-worth in deaf youth.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Psychology
- Deaf Studies
Background:
- Self-concept and ego development are crucial for well-being and social-cognitive maturation.
- Understanding these aspects in deaf adolescents is vital for targeted interventions.
- Previous research has not extensively explored these constructs in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine self-concept and ego development in deaf adolescents.
- To compare deaf adolescents to hearing norm groups on these measures.
- To identify factors associated with self-worth and ego development in deaf youth.
Main Methods:
- Utilized translated versions of Harter's self-perception profile and Loevinger's ego development measure.
- Assessed a sample of 68 deaf adolescents of normal intelligence.
- Employed hierarchical multiple regression and cluster analysis.
Main Results:
- Deaf adolescents exhibited lower self-perceived social acceptance, close friendships, and ego development compared to hearing norms.
- Higher physical appearance was noted in deaf adolescents.
- Global self-worth correlated with childhood signing support and parent-child communication quality; ego development linked to regular school attendance.
Conclusions:
- Deaf adolescents face unique challenges in self-concept and ego development.
- Early communication support and educational environment significantly influence their psychological well-being.
- Interventions should focus on enhancing social acceptance and communication for deaf youth.
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