Coping with the social challenges and emotional distress associated with hearing loss : a qualitative investigation using Leventhal’s self-regulation theory

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dc.contributor.author Bennett, Rebecca J.
dc.contributor.author Saulsman, Lisa
dc.contributor.author Eikelboom, Robert H.
dc.contributor.author Olaithe, Michelle
dc.date.accessioned 2022-03-09T12:53:04Z
dc.date.issued 2022
dc.description.abstract OBJECTIVE : To explore the lived experience of social challenges and emotional distress in relation to hearing loss and the coping mechanisms employed to manage them. DESIGN : Two focus groups and two one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted during February 2020. Transcripts were first inductively analysed to identify experiential categories of social and emotional difficulty, and then deductively analysed using Leventhal’s self-regulation model to identify how individuals conceptualised these experiences and the coping mechanisms employed to manage them. STUDY SAMPLE : Adults with hearing loss and self-reported emotional distress due to their hearing loss (n = 21) and their significant others (n = 9). Results Participants described their social and emotional experiences of hearing loss in terms of negative consequences (social overwhelm, fatigue, loss, exclusion), identity impact (how they perceive themselves and are perceived by others), and emotional distress (frustration, grief, anxiety, loneliness, and burdensomeness). While many participants described a general lack of effective coping strategies, others described employing coping strategies including avoidance (helpful and unhelpful), controlling the listening environment, humour, acceptance, assertiveness, communication repair strategies, and accepting support from significant others. CONCLUSION : Many participants described a lack of effective coping strategies and tended to rely on avoidance of social interaction, deepening their isolation and loneliness. en_ZA
dc.description.department Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology en_ZA
dc.description.embargo 2022-06-20
dc.description.librarian hj2022 en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorship The Ear Science Institute Australia and a Raine/Cockell Fellowship grant through the University of Western Australia. en_ZA
dc.description.uri https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/iija20 en_ZA
dc.identifier.citation Rebecca J. Bennett, Lisa Saulsman, Robert H. Eikelboom & Michelle Olaithe (2022): Coping with the social challenges and emotional distress associated with hearing loss: a qualitative investigation using Leventhal’s self-regulation theory, International Journal of Audiology, 61:5, 353-364, DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2021.1933620. en_ZA
dc.identifier.issn 1499-2027 (print)
dc.identifier.issn 1708-8186 (online)
dc.identifier.other 10.1080/14992027.2021.1933620
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/84411
dc.language.iso en en_ZA
dc.publisher Taylor and Francis en_ZA
dc.rights © 2021 British Society of Audiology, International Society of Audiology, and Nordic Audiological Society. This is an electronic version of an article published in International Journal of Audiology, vol. 61, no. 5, pp. 353-364, 2022. doi : 10.1080/14992027.2021.1933620. International Journal of Audiology is available online at : www.tandfonline.com/loi/iija20. en_ZA
dc.subject Emotions en_ZA
dc.subject Social isolation en_ZA
dc.subject Social disconnection en_ZA
dc.subject Loneliness en_ZA
dc.subject Psychology en_ZA
dc.subject Focus group en_ZA
dc.subject Content analysis en_ZA
dc.subject Loss en_ZA
dc.subject Grief en_ZA
dc.subject Frustration en_ZA
dc.subject Embarrassment en_ZA
dc.subject Distress en_ZA
dc.subject Hearing loss en_ZA
dc.subject Significant others en_ZA
dc.subject Communication partners en_ZA
dc.subject Third party disability en_ZA
dc.subject Qualitative en_ZA
dc.title Coping with the social challenges and emotional distress associated with hearing loss : a qualitative investigation using Leventhal’s self-regulation theory en_ZA
dc.type Postprint Article en_ZA


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