Group Identification and Self-Esteem of Deaf Adults

TLDR

The study examined how ecological context, group identification, and potential mediating mechanisms influence self‑esteem among 267 deaf adults. Using a cross‑sectional survey of 267 deaf adults, the authors assessed relationships among ecological context, group identification, and self‑esteem, and explored mediating variables. Results showed that ecological context and group identification positively predicted self‑esteem, with family and school deafness linked to stronger identification, but no mediating variables were found, underscoring the role of personal ecology and social‑political context.

Abstract

Using a sample of 267 deaf adults, members of a stigmatized collective, this study tested three notions: (a) The ecological context in which group members live affects identification with their group; (b) group identification has a positive effect on members' self-esteem; and (c) several psychological mechanisms mediate between group identification and self-esteem. The first two notions received support. Family and school deafness were associated with group identification, which, in turn, had a positive effect on self-esteem both directly and through its moderating effect on the negative relationships between several variables and self-esteem. Data did not provide support, however, for the proposal that several variables mediate between group identification and self-esteem. Results highlight the importance of considering both the personal ecology of participants and their social-political context, as well as suggest revisions in theories on group identification and self-steem.