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Cited by 8Hearing Impairment and CommunicationDisability Rights and RepresentationHearing Loss and Rehabilitation

Identity construction among deaf adolescents and young adults: A literature review

Open access
Sekoto, Lieketseng V., Hlayisi, Vera-Genevey·2023·African Journal of Disability
DOI 10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1168PMC PMC10244878
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Abstract

Background: Identity construction is an integral developmental task for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The intersection of deaf identity and disabling hearing loss (DHL) adds a layer to the complex process of identity construction.Aim: This literature review highlights the self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA and seeks to understand how AYA with DHL forge these identities. Knowledge areas for prospective research and practice are uncovered.Method: A traditional literature review of qualitative empirical evidence on AYA’s accounts of their deaf identity construction was conducted on seminal literature and peer-reviewed journals in psychology, disability studies and deaf studies.Results: The emerging self-ascribed deaf identities of AYA are diverse. The identities include Deaf, hearing, hard-of-hearing (HOH), bicultural HOH, identities that detach from disability, bicultural DeaF, unresolved and fluid identities. Complex trade-offs exist where the construction of certain identities forgoes certain reasonable accommodations, interventions or relations that are critical for personal development and wellbeing.Conclusion: Current literature orients deaf identity formation around hearing status and Deaf-hearing communal dynamics. In-depth research comprising facets of AYA’s personal, enacted and relational identities is required to conscientise rehabilitation professionals about the nuances of deaf identity issues and how to develop interventions that are supportive and responsive to the clinical and psychosocial challenges of AYA with DHL.Contribution: This paper deviates from the d/Deaf identity dichotomy, revealing a spectrum of deaf identities that AYA forge. The rationales of AYA’s deaf identities, underlying processes and possible vulnerable identities are unpacked. Recommendations for prospective research pertaining to identity construction among deaf AYA are made.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This traditional literature review synthesises qualitative evidence on how adolescents and young adults (AYA) with disabling hearing loss (DHL) construct deaf identities, finding a diverse spectrum beyond the traditional Deaf/deaf dichotomy. It argues that in-depth research on personal, enacted and relational identity processes is needed to inform person-centred audiological rehabilitation.

Key findings

  • AYA with DHL construct varied self-ascribed identities, including Deaf, hearing, hard-of-hearing (HOH), bicultural HOH, identities that detach from disability, bicultural DeaF, unresolved and fluid identities.
  • Some identities involve complex trade-offs: hearing identities and identities that detach from disability may lead to non-disclosure of hearing status and forgoing reasonable accommodations, risking academic success (Bell et al. 2016:8); unresolved identities are linked with denial, isolation, low self-esteem and potential psychopathology.
  • Examples include a 5-year longitudinal study of seven Deaf adolescents in a Netherlands school for the Deaf, where students as early as 14 years had their strongest identity commitment in the domain of being Deaf; a New Zealand study of 52 HOH adolescents found most did not perceive themselves as having any hearing disability; and seven South African young adults at university self-identified as hearing because of upbringing in a predominantly hearing culture.
  • Current literature mainly orients deaf identity around hearing status and Deaf–hearing communal dynamics, and lacks in-depth accounts of how and why AYA forge these identities, especially in the African context.

Methods

  • A traditional literature review of qualitative empirical evidence on AYA’s accounts of deaf identity construction, using database searches on PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar plus hand searches of seminal literature and key peer-reviewed journals in psychology, disability studies and deaf studies.
  • Searches considered literature from 2002 to 2022 using key terms including ‘identity construction’, ‘deaf identity’ and ‘deaf adolescents’; as an exploratory traditional review, searches were not confined to prescribed protocols.
  • Selected studies were qualitative, mainly ethnographic and phenomenological, and were not contextualised to any geographical setting to broaden the review’s scope.

Limitations

  • The paper states that it is a traditional exploratory literature review whose searches were not confined to prescribed protocols, that selected studies were not contextualised to any geographical setting, and that current studies do not explicitly highlight how AYA forge identities, the processes underpinning identity choices, trade-offs or possible challenges; it also notes the topic is under-researched from a healthcare and audiological stance, especially in the African context.
  • Evident from the text: no systematic protocol, quality appraisal, explicit inclusion/exclusion criteria or formal synthesis method is reported, so selection and interpretation may be subject to reviewer bias.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1168

Cites

30 of 30 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

4 of 26 cited sources checked · 1 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured

  • Interpretationcitation

    Despite having DHL, constructing hearing identities and identities that detach from disability may cause AYA to forgo reasonable accommodations because of non-disclosure or non-uptake of interventions, putting them in a vulnerable position.

    “As seen in the current literature, despite having a DHL, constructing hearing identities and identities that detach from disability may cause AYA to forgo reasonable accommodations because of non-disclosure or non-uptake of interventions to aid them, putting them in a vulnerable position (Bell et al. 2016:8).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bell et al. 2016 source

      The Conclusion and recommendations and Hearing/deaf identity cultural paradigm sections link a hearing identity and reluctance to be seen as disabled with non-disclosure, reduced access to support, and possible poor educational outcomes. The paper also describes reluctance to use assistive listening devices. Its evidence concerns spoken-language students at one South African university, however, so it does not establish the claim for adolescents and young adults more broadly. (LLM, conf=0.84)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
  • Findingcitation

    Non-disclosure of hearing status and failure to seek help for required accommodations posed a risk for academic success among seven South African young adults who identified as hearing.

    “The downside, however, was that non-disclosure of hearing status and failure to seek help for required accommodations posed a risk for their academic success (Bell et al. 2016:8).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Bell et al. 2016 source
  • Findingcitation

    The fluidity of deaf identity is expressed in the experiences of AYA with DHL.

    “The fluidity of deaf identity is also expressed in the experiences of AYA with DHL.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingcitation

    In a 5-year longitudinal study of seven Deaf adolescents in a Netherlands school for the Deaf, as early as 14 years, students had the strongest commitment in the identity domain of being Deaf compared to other identity domains such as life philosophy, friends, parents, studies and self.

    “In a 5-year longitudinal study of the identity development of seven Deaf adolescents in a Netherlands school for the Deaf, researchers found that as early as 14 years, the students had the strongest commitment in the identity domain of being Deaf compared to the other identity domains such as life philosophy, friends, parents, studies and self (Kunnen 2014:505).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kunnen 2014 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Findingreasoning

    An in-depth account of how and why AYA construct these varying identities is lacking, even more so in the African context.

    “An in-depth account of how and why AYA construct these varying identities is lacking, even more so in the African context.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 15
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 8

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Some AYA show an identity crisis, often isolated and expressing denial and grief regarding their HL.

    “On the other side, some AYA show an identity crisis. Adolescents and young adults who experience an identity crisis are often isolated and expressed denial and grief regarding their HL (Brunnberg 2010:9).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Brunnberg 2010 source

      The Discussion and ‘Identity crisis versus stable identity’ sections report that some hard-of-hearing children had an identity crisis and that those children were more likely to be socially isolated. ‘Unclear identity or identity crisis’ describes children who rejected their hard-of-hearing identity or grieved their hearing loss. The study concerns children and adolescent perspectives, however, and does not establish these findings for young adults. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The diagnosis of DHL is a form of labelling that attaches the externally ascribed identity of disability, one that carries stigma, with society often perceiving disability as a liability.

    “For instance, the diagnosis of DHL is a form of labelling that attaches the externally ascribed identity of disability, one that carries stigma, with society often perceiving disability as a liability (Murugami 2009).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Murugami 2009 source

      In the Introduction (page unavailable), Murugami describes socially imposed labels, an identity “conferred” by impairment, and stereotypes that devalue persons with disabilities. The “Assets versus liabilities” subsection says persons with disabilities have consistently been viewed as liabilities in Kenya. The paper does not address DHL or establish that its diagnosis itself attaches a disability identity, so that specific application is not supported. (LLM, conf=0.86)

      Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Contrary to traditional deaf identity beliefs, AYA construct a spectrum of identities, which are driven by varying rationales.

    “Contrary to traditional deaf identity beliefs, AYA construct a spectrum of identities, which are driven by varying rationales.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Identity formation is not dichotomous or homogenous; it is intricate.

    “A synthesis of the literature on identity construction reveals that identity formation is not dichotomous or homogenous. Identity formation is intricate.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The construction of Deaf identities is characterised by an early onset and sense of pride in Deaf culture.

    “The construction of Deaf identities seems to be characterised by an early onset and sense of pride in Deaf culture.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Deaf identity is constructed through self-perception, engaging with disability, building relationships, adopting social roles and assimilating into communities.

    “Evidently, deaf identity is constructed through self-perception, engaging with disability, building relationships, adopting social roles and assimilating into communities (Bell et al. 2016; Hecht et al. 2005; Kent 2003; Kunnen 2014; McIlroy & Storbeck 2011; Pang & Hutchinson 2018).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Bell et al. 2016 source

      Queued — the background check reaches it, usually within a day.

    • cites Hecht et al. 2005

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Kent 2003 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    Current literature orients deaf identity formation around hearing status and Deaf-hearing communal dynamics.

    “Current literature orients deaf identity formation around hearing status and Deaf-hearing communal dynamics.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    Current studies do not explicitly highlight how AYA forge their identities, what processes underpin their self-ascribed identity choices, the trade-offs related to identity choices as well as possible challenges.

    “The current studies do not explicitly highlight how AYA forge their identities, what processes underpin their self-ascribed identity choices, the trade-offs related to identity choices as well as possible challenges.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The topic of identity construction is still widely under-researched from a healthcare stance and more specifically in relation to audiological practice.

    “The topic of identity construction is still widely under-researched from a healthcare stance and more specifically in relation to audiological practice.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Traditionally, persons with hearing loss are thought to assume one of two identities, Deaf or deaf.

    “Traditionally, persons with HL are thought to assume one of two identities, Deaf or deaf (McIlroy & Storbeck 2011:495).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McIlroy & Storbeck 2011 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Those who assume Deaf identities do not view their HL as a medical issue or disability, use sign language as a first language, uphold values of Deaf culture and assert themselves as a unique and distinct community in society.

    “As a result, those who assume Deaf identities do not view their HL as a medical issue or disability, use sign language as a first language, uphold values of Deaf culture and assert themselves as a unique and distinct community in society (Israelite et al. 2002:135; McIlroy & Storbeck 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Israelite et al. 2002

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites McIlroy & Storbeck 2011 source

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Other than being Deaf, the identity of persons with DHL is also denoted by race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and social class, and sometimes these identities supersede the identity of being Deaf.

    “In a study that explored belonging through South African Sign Language (SASL) poetry, it was stated that other than being Deaf, the identity of persons with DHL is also denoted by race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and social class, and sometimes these identities supersede the identity of being Deaf (Morgan & Kaneko 2017:333).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Morgan & Kaneko 2017 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Holcomb introduced culturally isolated and culturally separate identity categories, where individuals dismiss all interaction with hearing persons or minimise interaction with the hearing community.

    “Holcomb (1997:90–91) who is also deaf introduced culturally isolated and culturally separate identity categories in his model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Holcomb 1997 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Deaf persons perceive their HL as a medical condition, often use assistive hearing technology, primarily use spoken language and affiliate more with hearing people and culture.

    “On the contrary, deaf persons perceive their HL a medical condition, often use assistive hearing technology, primarily use spoken language and affiliate more with hearing people and culture (McIlroy & Storbeck 2011).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites McIlroy & Storbeck 2011 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    HOH identity is not only constructed from the ability to be bilingual or bicultural but is considered an independent identity that mediates and stands at the margins of hearing and Deaf cultures, creating a defined and unique identity.

    “It seemed that the HOH identity was not only constructed from the ability to be bilingual or bicultural but, was considered as an independent identity that mediates and stands at the margins of hearing and Deaf cultures, creating a defined and unique identity.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationcitation

    A Bicultural DeaF identity allows freedom and fluidity where a strong affiliation and identification in Deaf culture can co-exist with an appreciation of identity formation in hearing communities.

    “In essence, the bicultural DeaF identity allows a freedom and fluidity where a strong affiliation and identification in Deaf culture can co-exist with an appreciation of identity formation in the hearing communities that one occupies.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    Contemporary discourse on deaf identity is changing, emphasising a need for portraying deaf identity in a manner that is broader and all-encompassing.

    “Contemporary discourse on deaf identity is changing, emphasising a need for portraying deaf identity in a manner that is broader and all-encompassing (Morgan & Kaneko 2017:234).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Morgan & Kaneko 2017 source

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    AYA with unresolved identities seem vulnerable, experiencing some level of identity crisis denoted by denial, low self-esteem and isolation, making them especially prone to psychopathology.

    “Similarly, AYA with unresolved identities seem vulnerable. They can be thought to be experiencing some level of identity crisis denoted by denial, low self-esteem and isolation, making them especially prone to psychopathology (Warner-Czyz et al. 2015:1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Warner-Czyz et al. 2015 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Identity issues affect audiological outcomes and health behaviours and should be paid attention to in the care of AYA.

    “Identity issues are said to affect audiological outcomes and health behaviours and should be paid attention to in the care of AYA (Clark et al. 2020:55; English 2012:4).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Clark et al. 2020 source

      Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

    • cites English 2012

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Communication function has a direct impact on identity construction.

    “Communication function also has a direct impact on identity construction.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
20 of 20

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Little is known about how identity construction, disability, and hearing loss converge during adolescence and young adulthood.

    “Little is known about how these concepts converge during adolescence and young adulthood.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The prevalence and risk of acquiring DHL in adolescents and young adults are on the rise.

    “In hearing healthcare, AYA are becoming the focal point for audiological interventions as the prevalence and risk of acquiring DHL in this population are on the rise.”
2 of 2

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Brunnberg citations use pages outside the listed range

    Minor

    The text cites Brunnberg (2010) at pages 8, 9 and 11, but the reference lists the article on pages 179-197.

  • Morgan and Kaneko citation points outside the article's page range

    Minor

    The citation specifies page 234, but the reference lists the article on pages 320-336.

  • Kent citations point outside the article's page range

    Minor

    The text twice cites page 231 of Kent (2003), while the reference lists the article on pages 315-324.

  • Clark citation points outside the article's page range

    Minor

    The text cites page 55 of Clark et al. (2020), but the reference lists the article on pages 4-11. The same page-55 citation appears again in the conclusion.

4 of 4

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 31 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 1

  1. English, K., 2012, 'Counseling strategies for tweens and teens with hearing impairment', Journal of Educational Audiology 18, 3-9.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Sekoto, L. V., & Hlayisi, V.-G.
Affiliations
University of Cape Town (ZA)
Corresponding author
Hlayisi, Vera-Genevey
ORCID
Venue
African Journal of Disability
Publisher
AOSIS
Published
2023-05-02
Volume
12
Pages
1168-1168
ISSN
  • 2223-9170 (ISSN-L)
  • 2226-7220
DOI
10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1168
PMC
PMC10244878
OpenAlex
W4367843997
Semantic Scholar
38a080f28e111df156e391f13a70288c6fb96710
Cited by
6
References
31
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 1 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1
FWCI
0.34
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • African Journal of Disability (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
University of Cape Town
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Hearing Impairment and Communication
  • Social Sciences › Safety Research › Disability Rights and Representation
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Hearing Loss and Rehabilitation
Keywords
deaf identity, identity construction, hard of hearing, bicultural identity, deaf culture, identity fluidity, rehabilitation therapy

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