Self-image, Family Climate, and Deafness

Abstract

The process of developing self-image in the deaf child is examined from the perspective of symbolic interactionist theory. Deaf children with deaf parents are compared to deaf children with hearing parents. It was predicted that deaf children with deaf parents would demonstrate more positive self-images because of the presence of family communication (the manual language of signs) and the less traumatic reaction of the family to a diagnosis of deafness. Evidence from test scores, teacher-counselor ratings, and family interviews indicates that the deaf children with deaf parents made more positive self-evaluations, as predicted. It is suggested that differences in parental expectations for academic and communicative achievement, in relation to the child's ability to fulfill parental goals, is a prime influence on self-image. The child's definition and interpretation of his own situation, relative to siblings and peers, is also important.