Self-esteem of deaf and hard of hearing compared with hearing adolescents in Slovenia - the context of social and communication factors

Objective: The study focuses on the self - esteem of deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) and hearing adolescents (HA) in Slovenia. The aim of this study is a comparison of self - esteem between D/HH and HA regarding the hearing status, age, gender, and the com parison among D/HH adolescents regarding communication and education settings. It is hypothesized that deaf and hard of hearing adolescents hav e lower self - esteem than their hearing peers. Methods: The final sample included 130 adolescents who were split into two groups with the method of equal pairs: 65 D/HH adolescents and 6 5 HA, which were esta blis hed on the basis of gender, age, nationality, and educational programme of schooling. The phenomenon of self - esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self - Esteem Scale, which was translated and adapted into the Slovenian Sign Langu age (SSL). Results: The results show significant differ ren - ces in self - esteem between D/HH and HA adolescents. D/HH adolescents have, on average, lower self - esteem than HA. There are differences in self - esteem regarding gender and also regarding ages of 16 and of 20. D/HH adolescents who use speech or sign language in their communication have higher self - esteem than those who use mostly sign language. D/HH adolescents in mainstream schools have hig her self - esteem than those included into a segregated form of schooling. Discussion: There are differences among adolescents in how they view themselves. Self - esteem can be a significant predictor of life satisfaction. Conclusion: D/HH adolescents experie nce lower self - esteem when compared with HA peers