Psychological Health of Deaf Pre-Teens and Teenagers with Cochlear Implants and Maternal Psychological Features: A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores the psychological health of deaf pre-teens and teenagers with cochlear implants and how maternal psychological traits may influence it.

Contribution

The study is among the first to examine maternal psychological characteristics in relation to the mental health of children with cochlear implants.

Findings

Pre-teens/teenagers with cochlear implants showed no significant differences in psychological health compared to hearing peers.

A high percentage of children with cochlear implants were at higher risk for psychopathology.

Maternal resilience scores were lower than expected and linked to children's psychological health.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The psychological health of deaf children and adolescents with cochlear implants (CIs) appears to be related to the degree of auditory and linguistic recovery achieved, as well as contextual factors. Few studies have investigated the influence that maternal psychological characteristics and resources may have in supporting the mental health of these children and adolescents. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the psychological well-being of pre-teens/teenagers with CIs and the mental health of their mothers. The secondary aim was to analyze which maternal characteristics (anxiety, depression, resilience, and time spent sharing emotions) were most related to the psychological health of the pre-teen/teenager. Methods: A group of 15 pre-teens/teenagers with CIs and 27 hearing peers and their mothers participated in the study. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory II, the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, and an additional ad hoc question quantifying the time that the mothers dedicate to conversing with their sons/daughters about the emotions were administered to the included subjects. Results: No significant differences between the two groups of pre-teens/teenagers emerged; however, a great percentage of pre-teens/teenagers with CIs appeared at higher risk for developing psychopathology. The resilience scores for both groups of mothers were lower than anticipated and related to the psychological health of pre-teens/teenagers. Conclusions: These results underscore the need for targeted psychological support alongside auditory rehabilitation and suggest avenues for enhancing family-centered care in this clinical population.

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