Strategies for Preventing and Reducing Psychological Problems and Mental Disorders among Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Communities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/mjn.2025.v16i04.031Abstract
The majority of deaf people grew up in hearing environments, which have presented unique challenges and hazards to their socioemotional health. The aim of this study is to identify the mental health and psychological problems among individuals with hearing loss and to identify alternatives that can be done. This study is a narrative literature review employing the PRISMA framework. Journal articles were collected from Google Scholar, Crossref, and PubMed databases. The search results yielded 2000 research articles. After the selection process, 32 articles were eligible for review with Reports of included studies (11 articles). In this study, deaf people had experiences of psychological distress and mental health problems. Stress and anxiety are major issues for deaf psychological responses. Deaf mental health problems are body image and suicide. Deaf individuals had higher rates of depression, insomnia, anxiety, inferior quality of life, and emotional distress. It is essential to recognise the unique psychological challenges faced by individuals with hearing loss, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, to provide appropriate mental health support. Nurses can play a pivotal role in implementing interventions that address these mental health issues, improving the overall quality of life for deaf individuals. Strengthening interventions that can reduce psychological distress and mental health problems is needed to prevent long-term impacts on quality of life.
Keywords:
Anxiety, Deaf, Hearing Loss, Mental Health, Psychological DistressDownloads
References
Abiola, T., Lawal, I., & Habib, Z. G. (2015). Psychological distress due to academic stress among clinical students in a Nigerian tertiary institution: Comparison between medical and physiotherapy students. Nigerian Journal of Basic and Clinical Sciences, 12(2), 81-85. https://doi.org/10.4103/0331-8540.169298
Adeniyi, S. O., & Kuku, O. O. (2018). Effectiveness of two instructional methods on reasoning ability of children with hearing impairment in Nigeria. Specijalna Edukacija i Rehabilitacija, 17(4), 395–417. https://doi.org/10.5937/SPECEDREH17-18600
Adeniyi, S. O., & Kuku, O. O. (2020). Psychological distress as correlates of social competences among undergraduates with visual disabilities in University of Lagos. Educational Thought, 10(August), 23–42. Retrieved from: https://ir.unilag.edu.ng/handle/123456789/11877 . . Accessed on 15th July, 2023.
Adeniyi, O. S., Olufemi-Adeniyi, A. O., & Raheem, A. W. (2021). Effectiveness of self-management therapy in the management of psychological distress among adolescents with hearing loss in Oyo State, Nigeria. Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 4(2), 62-71. https://doi.org/10.26407/jrtdd2021.1.45
Adin, N.-A. A., Enriquez, E. M. S., Ribo, J. V. P., Quililan, C. J., Gemarangan, S. R., Saldariega, L., Handang, J., & Doren, C. A. (2023). Teachers’ perspective on distance learning for students with visual impairment. European Journal of Higher Education and Academic Advancement, 1(1), 27–37. https://doi.org/10.61796/ejheaa.v1i1.29
Akram, B., Nawaz, J., Rafi, Z., & Akram, A. (2018). Social exclusion, mental health and suicidal ideation among adults with hearing loss: Protective and risk factors. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 68(3), 388–393. Retrieved from: https://europepmc.org/article/med/29540873 . Accessed on 10th July, 2023.
Alleva, J. M., Sheeran, P., Webb, T. L., Martijn, C., & Miles, E. (2015). A meta-analytic review of stand-alone interventions to improve body image. PLoS One, 10(9), 1–32. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0139177
Ariapooran, S., Khezeli, M., & Batool, A. (2021). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( PTSD ) and Depression in Iranian Adolescents with and without Hearing Loss ( HL ) in Previous and During the Outbreak of the COVID-19. Research Square, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-252257/v1
Asarnow, J. R. (2014). Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention (FISP). Suicide Prevention Resource Center. Retrieved from: https://sprc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Family-Intervention-for-Suicide-Prevention-FISP-NREPP-Legacy-Listing.pdf. Accessed on 16th September, 2023.
Ashori, M., & Jalil-Abkenar, S. S. (2021). Emotional intelligence: Quality of life and cognitive emotion regulation of deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents. Deafness & Education International, 23(2), 84-102. https://doi.org/10.1080/14643154.2020.1766754
Aslan, S. (2019). Perceived stress level and sports participation in deaf adolescents and young adults. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 7(3), 197-201. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v7i3.3974
Booth, A., Noyes, J., Flemming, K., Moore, G., Tunçalp, Ö., & Shakibazadeh, E. (2019). Formulating questions to explore complex interventions within qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Global Health, 4(Suppl 1). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2018-001107
Bosdriesz, J. R., Stam, M., Smits, C., & Kramer, S. E. (2017). Psychosocial health of cochlear implant users compared to that of adults with and without hearing aids: results of a nationwide cohort study. Clinical Otolaryngology, 43(3), 828-834. https://doi.org/10.1111/coa.13055
Chapman, M., & Dammeyer, J. (2017). The significance of deaf identity for psychological well-being. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 22(2), 187-194. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enw073
Cheng, A. W., Chou, Y. C., & Lin, F. G. (2019). Psychological distress in bullied deaf and hard of hearing adolescents. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 24(4), 366-377. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enz014
Corron, L. K., McPherson, C. B., Hill, E. C., & O’Donnell, L. (2025). Analyzing patterns of skeletal indicators of developmental stress through the double lens of ontogeny and the life course approach in a contemporary reference sample. American Journal of Biological Anthropology, 186(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.25052
Dahlgren, C. L., & Stedal, K. (2017). Cognitive remediation therapy for adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa—Treatment satisfaction and the perception of change. Behavioral Sciences, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/bs7020023
Davoudi-Kiakalayeh, A., Mohammadi, R., Pourfathollah, A. A., Siery, Z., & Davoudi-Kiakalayeh, S. (2017). Alloimmunization in thalassemia patients: New insight for healthcare. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 8. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_246_16
Eichengreen, A., Zaidman-Zait, A., Most, T., & Golik, G. (2022). Resilience from childhood to young adulthood: Retrospective perspectives of deaf and hard of hearing people who studied in regular schools. Psychology & Health, 37(3), 331-349. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.1905161
Embree, J. A. (2019). Prevalence of suicide attempts in a deaf population with co-occurring substance use disorder. Journal of the American Deafness & Rehabilitation Association (JADARA), 45(2), 1–15. Retrieved from: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1294&context=jadara. Accessed on 16th August, 2023.
Eskin, M., Harlak, H., Demirkiran, F., & Dereboy, Ç. (2013). The adaptation of the perceived stress scale into Turkish: A reliability and validity analysis. Yeni Symposium, 51(3), 132–140. Retrieved from: https://neuropsychiatricinvestigation.org/en/the-adaptation-of-the-perceived-stress-scale-into-turkish-a-reliability-and-validity-analysis-16870. Accessed on 9th August, 2023.
Fadda, R., Piu, T., Congiu, S., Papakonstantinou, D., Motzo, G., Sechi, C., Lucarelli, L., Tatulli, I., Pedditzi, M. L., Petretto, D. R., Freire, A. S., & Papadopoulos, K. (2024). Social support at school for students with sensory disabilities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(1071), 1–21. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21081071
Fellinger, J., Holzinger, D., Dobner, U., Gerich, J., Lehner, R., Lenz, G., & Goldberg, D. (2005). Mental distress and quality of life in a deaf population. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 40 (9), 737-742. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-005-0936-8
Fellinger, J., Holzinger, D., & Pollard, R. (2012). Mental health of deaf people. The Lancet, 379(9820), 1037-1044. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(11)61143-4
Fergusson, D. M., & Woodward, L. J. (2002). Mental health, educational, and social role outcomes of adolescents with depression. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59(3), 225-231. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.59.3.225
Fitzpatrick, R. B. (1991). Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Journal of the National Association of Administrative Law Judges, 11, 13. Retrieved from: https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/jnaa11&div=6&id=&page=. Accessed on 19th September, 2023.
Fox, M. L., James, T. G., & Barnett, S. L. (2020). Suicidal behaviors and help-seeking attitudes among deaf and hard-of-hearing college students. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 50(2), 387–396. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12595
Frank Sabatino, D. C. (2025). The impact of stress on health and disease. Total Health, 3. Retrieved from: https://nutritionstudies.org/the-impact-of-stress-on-health-and-disease/. Accessed on 6th April, 2023.
Gaudio, S., Brooks, S. J., & Riva, G. (2014). Nonvisual multisensory impairment of body perception in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review of neuropsychological studies. PLoS One, 9(10). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0110087
Ghoneim, R., Aljedaani, W., Bryce, R., & Javed, Y. (2024). Why are other teachers more inclusive in online learning than us ? Exploring challenges faced by teachers of blind and visually impaired students : A literature review. Computer, 13(247), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13100247
Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information & Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91-108. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x
Hills, C. H., Rappold, E. S., & Rendon, M. E. (2019). Binge eating and body image in a sample of the deaf college population. JADARA, 25(2). Retrieved from: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2288&context=jadara. Accessed on 24th July, 2023.
Hong, Q., Pluye, P., Fàbregues, S., Bartlett, G., Boardman, F., Cargo, M., Dagenais, P., Gagnon, M.-P., Griffiths, F., Nicolau, B., O’Cathain, A., Rousseau, M.-C., & Vedel, I. (2018). Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), Version 2018 (Patent No. 1148552). Retrieved from: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/bmjopen/11/2/e039246/DC3/embed/inline-supplementary-material-3.pdf . Accessed on 13th August, 2023.
Hosseini, S. A., & Padhy, R. K. (2023). Body Image Distortion (Archived). In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. United States.
Ijeoma, A. H., Omolara, A. D., & Oluwatosin, A. O. (2016). Parenting styles and family characteristics as correlates of psychological distress among Nigerian adolescents. International Journal of Psychology and Counselling, 8(9), 102-108. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJPC2016.0451
Indiana, M. L., Sagone, E., & Fichera, S. L. O. (2021). Are coping strategies with well-being in deaf and blind parents related? European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 11(4), 1422–1439. https://doi.org/10.3390/ejihpe11040102
Irvine, K. R., McCarty, K., McKenzie, K. J., Pollet, T. V., Cornelissen, K. K., Toveé, M. J., & Cornelissen, P. L. (2019). Distorted body image influences body schema in individuals with negative bodily attitudes. Neuropsychologia, 122, 38-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.11.015
Jambor, E., & Elliott, M. (2005). Self-esteem and coping strategies among deaf students. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 10(1), 63–81. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/eni004
Krahn, G. L., Walker, D. K., & Correa-De-Araujo, R. (2015). Persons with disabilities as an unrecognized health disparity population. American Journal of Public Health, 105 (Suppl 2), S198-206. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2014.302182
Kuku, O. O., & Adeniyi, S. O. (2020). Impact of learning interventions on mathematics achievement among learners with hearing impairment. Contemporary Educational Researches Journal, 10(4), 131–143. https://doi.org/10.18844/cerj.v10i4.5214
Kushalnagar, P., Reesman, J., Holcomb, T., & Ryan, C. (2019). Prevalence of anxiety or depression diagnosis in deaf adults. The Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 24(4), 378-385. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enz017
Kvam, M. H., Loeb, M., & Tambs, K. (2007). Mental health in deaf adults: symptoms of anxiety and depression among hearing and deaf individuals. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 12(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1093/deafed/enl015
Lee, W. Y., Tan, J. T. A., & Kok, J. K. (2022). The struggle to fit in: A qualitative study on the sense of belonging and well-being of deaf people in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia. Psychological Studies, 67(3), 385-400. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-022-00658-7
Liu, S. X. (2016). Innovation design: made in China 2025. Design Management Review, 27(1), 52-58. https://doi.org/10.1111/drev.10349
Luey, H. S., Glass, L., & Elliott, H. (1995). Hard-of-hearing or deaf: Issues of ears, language, culture, and identity. Social Work, 40(2), 177-182. https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/40.2.177
Martí, I. G., Hernández, J. A., & Barba, C. G. (2023). Exploring body image perceptions among people with intellectual disability: a qualitative study. Psychology, Society & Education, 15(2), 28-36. https://doi.org/10.21071/psye.v15i2.15709
Mehboob, S., Rafi, S. T., & Ahmed, N. (2019). Association of hearing loss with depression, anxiety and stress in patients suffering from Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 35(2), 510–514. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.2.152
National Institutes of Health. (2023). Hearing loss: A common problem for older adults. Retrieved from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults . Accessed on 24th September, 2023.
Nugent, K., Joshi, A., Viana, R., Payne, M. W., Unger, J., & Hunter, S. W. (2025). How has body image been evaluated among people with lower limb loss? A scoping review. Disability and Rehabilitation, 47(1), 33–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2024.2335646
Oyewumi, A. M., Akangbe, T., & Adigun, O. (2013). Personality factors as correlates of perceived quality of life among adolescents with hearing impairment in selected secondary schools in Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Education and Practice, 4(9), 162-168. Retrived from: https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP/article/viewFile/5775/5924
Oyewunmi, A. E., Oyewunmi, O. A., Iyiola, O. O., & Ojo, A. Y. (2015). Mental health and the Nigerian workplace: Fallacies, facts and the way forward. International Journal of Psychology and Counselling, 7(7), 106-111. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJPC2015.0317
Page, M. J., McKenzie, J. E., Bossuyt, P. M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T. C., Mulrow, C. D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J. M., Akl, E. A., Brennan, S. E., Chou, R., Glanville, J., Grimshaw, J. M., Hróbjartsson, A., Lalu, M. M., Li, T., Loder, E. W., Mayo-Wilson, E., McDonald, S., … Moher, D. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. BMJ, 372(71). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-021-01626-4
Quarshie, E. N. B., Fobi, D., Acheampong, E. K., Honu-Mensah, C. M., Fobi, J., Appau, O., ... & Oppong Asante, K. (2021). Suicidal behaviours among deaf adolescents in Ghana: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Public Health, 44(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/pubmed/fdab076
Rodgers, R. F., Paxton, S. J., & Wertheim, E. H. (2025). Do images speak louder than words? effects of body positive and fitspiration quotes and images on state body image in women and men. Sex Roles, 91(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-024-01553-3
Runquist III, E., Cox, M., Meyer, A., & Rodgers, R. F. (2025). A model of relationships of teammate relations, body image, and eating behaviors among athletes. Body Image, 52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bodyim.2024.101818
Sadibolova, R., Ferrè, E. R., Linkenauger, S. A., & Longo, M. R. (2019). Distortions of perceived volume and length of body parts. Cortex, 111, 74–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cortex.2018.10.016
Stubbs, B., Vancampfort, D., Veronese, N., Schofield, P., Lin, P. Y., Tseng, P. T., Solmi, M., Thompson, T., Carvalho, A. F., & Koyanagi, A. (2018). Multimorbidity and perceived stress: A population-based cross-sectional study among older adults across six low- and middle-income countries. Maturitas, 107, 84–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.10.007
Spreckelsen, P. V., Glashouwer, K. A., Bennik, E. C., Wessel, I., & de Jong, P. J. (2018). Negative body image: Relationships with heightened disgust propensity, disgust sensitivity, and self-directed disgust. PloS One, 13(6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0198532
Theunissen, S. C. P. M., Rieffe, C., Netten, A. P., Briaire, J. J., Soede, W., Kouwenberg, M., & Frijns, J. H. M. (2014). Self-esteem in hearing-impaired children: The influence of communication, education, and audiological characteristics. PLoS One, 9(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0094521
Theunissen, S. C. P. M., Rieffe, C., Netten, A. P., Briaire, J. J., Soede, W., Schoones, J. W., & Frijns, J. H. M. (2014). Psychopathology and its risk and protective factors in hearing-impaired children and adolescents a systematic review. JAMA Pediatrics, 168(2), 170–177. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2013.3974
Vincent, C., Ménard, A., & Giroux, I. (2025). Cultural Determinants of Body Image: What About the Menopausal Transition? Healthcare, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13010076
World Health Organization. (2022). Mental disorders. World Health Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-disorders. . Accessed on 21st April, 2023.
Yang, Y., Xiao, Y., Liu, Y., Li, Q., Shan, C., Chang, S., & Jen, P. H. S. (2021). Mental health and psychological impact on students with or without hearing loss during the recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in china. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(4), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041421
Yao, Q., Deng, S., Liu, L., & Luo, Y. (2025). Mediating effects of psychological resilience on the relationship between social support and body image dissatisfaction among patients with primary brain tumors in China. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2024.2447007
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 The Malaysian Journal of Nursing (MJN)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.