SELF-ESTEEM OF DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMPARED WITH HEARING ADOLESCENTS IN SLOVENIA – THE CONTEXT OF SOCIAL AND COMMUNICATION FACTORS

Damjana KOGOVSEK

Faculty of Education, Department of Special
Education and Rehabilitation
University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

Recived: 05.06.2015
Accepted: 31.07.2015
Scientific article

Citation: Kogovsek D. Self-esteem of deaf and hard of hearing compared with hearing adolescents in Slovenia – the context of social and communication factors. J Spec Educ Rehab 2015; 16(3-4):30-51. doi: 10.1515/JSER-2015-0010

Abstract

Objective: The study focuses on the self-esteem of deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) and hearing adolescents (HA) in Slovenia. The aim of this study is a comparison of self-esteem between D/HH and HA regarding the hearing status, age, gender, and the comparison among D/HH adolescents regarding communication and education settings. It is hypothesized that deaf and hard of hearing adolescents have lower self-esteem than their hearing peers.

Methods: The final sample included 130 adolescents who were split into two groups with the method of equal pairs: 65 D/HH adolescents and 65 HA, which were established on the basis of gender, age, nationality, and educational programme of schooling. The phenomenon of self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which was translated and adapted into the Slovenian Sign Language (SSL).

Results: The results show significant differrences in self-esteem between D/HH and HA adolescents. D/HH adolescents have, on average, lower self-esteem than HA. There are differences in self-esteem regarding gender and also regarding ages of 16 and of 20.

D/HH adolescents who use speech or sign language in their communication have higher self-esteem than those who use mostly sign language. D/HH adolescents in mainstream schools have higher self-esteem than those included into a segregated form of schooling.

Discussion: There are differences among adolescents in how they view themselves. Self-esteem can be a significant predictor of life satisfaction.

Conclusion: D/HH adolescents experience lower self-esteem when compared with HA peers.

Keywords: self-esteem, deaf and hard of hearing adolescents, hearing adolescents

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