Psychological Variables and Social Adjustment of Parents of Hearing-impaired Pupils in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the relationship between psychological variables and social adjustment of parents of hearing-impaired pupils in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the conduct of the study. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 185 parents of hearing-impaired pupils in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. A sample of 185 parents of hearing-impaired pupils in the Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State was selected for the study using the census sampling technique. A researcher-made instrument, entitled “Psychological Variables and Social Adjustment Questionnaire for Parents” (PVSAQP), was used for data collection. The instrument was face validated by three experts. The internal consistency method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument, and a reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. Pearson Product Moment Correlation statistics were used to answer the research questions and also test their corresponding null hypotheses. Data analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between fear of judgement and social adjustment of parents of hearing-impaired pupils, while no significant relationship was found between emotional stress, self-doubt and social adjustment of parents of hearing-impaired pupils. In view of the findings of the study, conclusions were drawn and recommendations made, among which is that community sensitisation and awareness programmes should be implemented to reduce stigma and negative perceptions associated with hearing impairment, thereby alleviating parents’ fear of judgement and promoting their social engagement.