The Development of Behavioral Difficulties in Hard-of-Hearing and Deaf Youth

Abstract

This article critically reviews the existing literature examining the presence of behavioral difficulties in relation to language and parenting behaviors among hard-of-hearing youth. A collection of studies has researched the prevalence and development of externalizing behaviors in hard-of-hearing children that impact the well-being of the child and family. Previous literature has found that behavioral difficulties in hard-of-hearing youth contributed to increased parental stress and mental health concerns. Although the relationship between language and behavioral difficulties has been examined, minimal research evaluates the effects of parenting behaviors and parental stress on behavioral difficulties among hard-of-hearing youth. Further exploration within this population is necessary to inform treatment and prevention strategies.

Keywords:

• Behavior problems
• parenting
• deaf
• hard-of-hearing