Understanding the psychosocial experiences of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss: An application of Leventhal's self-regulatory model

Objective: This study explored the psychosocial experiences of adults with hearing loss using the self-regulatory model as a theoretical framework. The primary components of the model, namely cognitive representations, emotional representations, and coping responses, were examined. Design: Individua...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of audiology 2016-07, Vol.55 (sup3), p.S3-S12
Main Authors: Heffernan, Eithne, Coulson, Neil S., Henshaw, Helen, Barry, Johanna G., Ferguson, Melanie A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Auditory Perception
Cognition
common sense model
Cost of Illness
Emotions
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Hearing loss
Hearing Loss - diagnosis
Hearing Loss - psychology
Humans
illness representations
Interviews as Topic
Leventhal's self-regulatory model
Male
Middle Aged
Models, Psychological
Persons With Hearing Impairments - psychology
Psychosocial Deprivation
psychosocial impact
Qualitative Research
Self-Control
Severity of Illness Index
Young Adult
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Summary:Objective: This study explored the psychosocial experiences of adults with hearing loss using the self-regulatory model as a theoretical framework. The primary components of the model, namely cognitive representations, emotional representations, and coping responses, were examined. Design: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis procedure. Study sample: Twenty-five adults with mild-moderate hearing loss from the UK and nine hearing healthcare professionals from the UK, USA, and Canada were recruited via maximum variation sampling. Results: Cognitive representations: Most participants described their hearing loss as having negative connotations and consequences, although they were not particularly concerned about the progression or controllability/curability of the condition. Opinions differed regarding the benefits of understanding the causes of one's hearing loss in detail. Emotional representations: negative emotions dominated, although some experienced positive emotions or muted emotions. Coping responses: engaged coping (e.g. hearing aids, communication tactics) and disengaged coping (e.g. withdrawal from situations, withdrawal within situations): both had perceived advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions: This novel application of the self-regulatory model demonstrates that it can be used to capture the key psychosocial experiences (i.e. perceptions, emotions, and coping responses) of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss within a single, unifying framework.
ISSN:1499-2027
1708-8186
DOI:10.3109/14992027.2015.1117663