Overall, research studies of self-esteem and deafness yield inconsistent findings. Some studies indicate a higher incidence of low self-esteem among deaf individuals than among hearing individuals (Bat-Chava, 1994; Mulcahy, 1998; Schlesinger, 2000). Other findings suggest that one must examine this complex phenomenon more closely to understand how deafness influences self-concept and self-esteem (Bat-Chava, 2000; Emerton, 1998; Foster, 1998; Munoz-Baell & Ruiz, 2000; Stone, 1998). This study asked whether self-esteem scores are significantly different among deaf college students compared across groups based on gender and parents' hearing status and signing ability. The construct of self-esteem was measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, administered using an American Sign Language-translated videotape. Results revealed that gender, age, and the interaction of parent by gender were nonsignificant. However, respondents who had at least one deaf parent and signed scored significantly higher than those with hearing parents who could not sign and those with hearing parents who could sign. Overall, self-esteem scores for all respondents were high. Implications for further study are discussed.

Access to mental health treatment is a vital part of a comprehensive health care plan. Deaf individuals often have difficulty accessing mental health services. Four-hundred twenty-two participants completed an anonymous questionnaire about their perspectives of telemental health services for deaf individuals. Results showed that several variables, such as if the participant was unable to receive another type of psychotherapy and whether the therapist was ASL-fluent, were significantly related to whether the respondent would use TMH. The participants reported that TMH services are a viable option for treating a variety of mental health issues. Telemental health services can act as a bridge between consumers of mental health care and their providers allowing accessible and equitable healthcare opportunities.

The Washington, DC Department of Health and the HIV/AIDS Administration in collaboration with Deaf-REACH, a Washington, DC community service center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HOH) individuals, sponsored a qualitative research study to develop HIV and AIDS prevention materials specifically targeted for the deaf and HOH community. This article describes the process of creating a prevention poster and condom card targeted for Deaf and HOH individuals who use American Sign Language. This study utilized a series of five focus groups with members of the deaf community. The focus groups targeted three areas: (1) assessment of needs; (2) designs for prevention materials in terms of language appropriateness, graphics, and cultural relevance; and, (3) final choice of design and evaluation of language, graphics, and cultural relevance. Results of the initial focus groups indicated that there was a lack of general knowledge about HIV and a lack of culturally specific prevention and education materials, especially for subgroups within the deaf community. In the second phase, group members provided suggestions for character placement, setting, and cultural cues for prevention materials. Finally, an HIV prevention poster and brochure were chosen, produced, and disseminated at places deaf individuals frequent. Practitioners who provide HIV services to the deaf community must be aware that traditional methods of educating and outreach to members used in the hearing community may not be effective in the deaf community. Consideration should be given to the unique cultural and linguistic needs of the deaf community.

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