A mixed methods study of the resilience skills of children and young people aged 11-15 with a mild moderate hearing loss

Walker, Catherine Mary (2023). A mixed methods study of the resilience skills of children and young people aged 11-15 with a mild moderate hearing loss. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This study investigated the resilience skills of 29 Children and young people (CYP) aged 11-15 with a mild moderate hearing loss (MMHL). An exploration of the perceived resilience skills of the CYP with MMHL in this study were compared to the skills of their peers with expected levels of hearing (ELH) – 30 CYP and a severe profound hearing loss (SPHL) – 24 CYP. The research question asked, ‘How resilient are CYP with MMHL and how do they feel they would demonstrate resilience skills in everyday activities?’ There were three phases to this study: phase one involved a focus group of CYP with ELH, MMHL and SPHL. This group was asked to pilot the research tools, language assessments and the questionnaire devised specifically for the study as well as exploring the concept of ‘resilience’. The findings of the focus group that comprised of CYP with hearing as well as a hearing loss (HL) identified that resilience was a word used consistently throughout school, but they all agreed that they neither understood what it meant nor what it meant to be a resilient person. The phrases associated to the researcher’s definition of resilience used as part of the research were presented to the CYP and they discussed what each phrase meant to them. In phase two, all 83 participants; 30 ELH, 29 MMHL and 24 SPHL completed assessments of receptive and expressive language and the specifically devised questionnaire. The language assessments highlighted that the CYP with MMHL presented abilities commensurate with their chronological age. The questionnaire responses identified differences between learners with MMHL and those with ELH and SPHL. The key areas related to explaining their HL and audiological equipment to others; lack of organisational skills; leading a team; discussing emotions with close family and friends, and communication skills. Phase three involved semi-structured interviews with a group of nine CYP with MMHL to drill down into the questionnaire responses and address some of the themes the analysis highlighted. The data from phase two and three suggested that CYP with MMHL lacked the skills underpinning resilience and were unable to demonstrate such skills in everyday activities. They identified that, because of their higher language abilities, they received limited support from Teachers of the Deaf (ToDs). The CYP with MMHL believed specific resilience skills need to be learnt and practised. Opportunities to employ such skills in school and in social situations appear limited. A factor identified was parental anxiety associated with the belief their child would be vulnerable due to their HL.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):