EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF GENDER AND HEARING IMPAIRMENT: MENTAL HEALTH EXPERIENCES OF TEENAGERS
Keywords:
hearing-impaired, adolescents, congenital, mental health, SCARED scale, CBCL YSR scale, anxiety related problems, emotional and behavioural problems.Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the intersection between gender and hearing impairment in the mental health experiences of adolescents. A survey was conducted among 30 congenitally deaf adolescents between the ages of 16 and 17 using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders scale and modified Child Behaviour Checklist scale. The results of our analysis indicate that mental health manifestations differ significantly by gender. In particular, females are more susceptible to anxiety-related symptoms, such as separation anxiety and social anxiety. A number of behavioural domains are highlighted by the CBCL scale. In conclusion, this study underscores the complexity of mental health among hearing-impaired adolescents and highlights the need for tailored interventions and support services. Our findings provide a better understanding of the mental health challenges that this demographic faces.
