Perceived stress among deaf adults

Am Ann Deaf. 2006 Spring;151(1):25-31. doi: 10.1353/aad.2006.0015.

Abstract

THE PRESENT ARTICLE describes the effectiveness of stress management classes in decreasing perceived stress among Deaf adults. Deaf adults may experience unique stressors, in addition to circumstances associated with increased stress in the general population. The Perceived Stress Scale (S. Cohen, Kamarck, and Mermelstein, 1983) was used as a pretest and posttest measure for participants in a study of the Deaf Heart Health Intervention. Results indicated that (a) some Deaf adults may have higher levels of perceived stress than the general population, and (b) culturally appropriate stress management interventions are promising as a means of assisting Deaf adults to decrease levels of perceived stress, and hence decrease risk for stress-related illnesses. Future research will focus on obtaining a larger, more diverse sample of Deaf adults and refining the intervention for maximum effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Persons With Hearing Impairments / psychology*
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Physiological / therapy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires