ERIC Number: EJ1105842
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Jul
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1081-4159
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Hearing Parents' Appraisals of Parenting a Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Child: Application of a Positive Psychology Framework
Szarkowski, Amy; Brice, Patrick J.
Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, v21 n3 p249-258 Jul 2016
Hearing parents of deaf and hard-of-hearing children face unique challenges and stressors, the understanding of which has been the focus of numerous studies; yet, relatively little is known about their positive experiences. Using a qualitative purposive sampling design, interviews were conducted with 11 hearing parents (8 mothers, 3 fathers) exploring parents' positive appraisals of their experiences in raising a child who is deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH). Interviews were transcribed and a thematic analysis was conducted, which allowed the researchers to identify themes and patterns in the parents' appraisals. Nine key themes emerged, which characterized parents' positive perceptions of raising a child who is D/HH: "knowing the child," "appreciating everyday positives," "increasing involvement with the child," "relishing the highs," "taking less for granted," "letting go," "learning," "advocating," and "experiencing personal growth." A positive psychology framework was employed to foster understanding of the interview findings and their implications. When asked about the positive aspects of raising a D/HH child, hearing parents were readily able to identify ways in which their parenting experience had been enhanced and their lives improved as a result of their unique situations. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Descriptors: Parents, Parenting Styles, Children, Deafness, Hearing Impairments, Qualitative Research, Interviews, Parent Attitudes, Child Rearing, Parent Participation, Parent Child Relationship, Positive Attitudes, Psychology
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
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Author Affiliations: N/A