Longing to Belong: Hard of Hearing Young Adults' Experiences of Social Identity and Group Membership

Am Ann Deaf. 2022;166(5):638-662. doi: 10.1353/aad.2022.0002.

Abstract

Studies on hard of hearing (HH) individuals have focused mostly on children's experiences in school. However, their lives as young adults have not received much attention. The present study therefore examined HH young adults' experiences of social identity and group membership. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 16 individuals (10 males, 6 females) with severe to profound hearing loss. They were from diverse cultural backgrounds. A qualitative content analysis was performed with a manifest analysis. Two categories emerged: Belonging to a Social Environment and Engaging in Important Communication. The results indicate that the HH individuals, either deliberately or unconsciously, chose to be with other HH individuals because of their longing for group membership and desire to avoid being misunderstood. The participants longed for inclusion, acceptance, and opportunities to create an inclusive social environment and to communicate with others.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Culture
  • Female
  • Group Processes
  • Hearing
  • Hearing Loss*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Social Identification*
  • Young Adult