A Pilot Study of Deaf Trauma Survivors’ Experiences: Early Traumas Unique to Being Deaf in a Hearing World

Abstract

Conducting semi-structured American Sign Language interviews with 17 Deaf trauma survivors, this pilot study explored Deaf individuals’ trauma experiences and whether these experiences generally align with trauma in the hearing population. Most commonly reported traumas were physical assault, sudden unexpected deaths, and “other” very stressful events. Although some “other” events overlap with traumas in the general population, many are unique to Deaf people (e.g., corporal punishment at oral/aural school if caught using sign language, utter lack of communication with hearing parents). These findings suggest that Deaf individuals may experience developmental traumas distinct to being raised in a hearing world. Such traumas are not captured by available trauma assessments, nor are they considered in evidence-based trauma treatments.

Reduced neural selectivity for mental states in deaf children with delayed exposure to sign language

“…In contrast to our results, though, prior studies find that delayed access to language has broad cognitive effects 77,78 , including delayed development of language comprehension and production [79][80][81][82] , literacy 83,84 , and executive functions 85 , differences in language-related brain development [86][87][88] , and consequences for mental health 89,90 . This discrepancy is likely related to characteristics of our sample.…”

Reduced Neural Selectivity for Mental States in Deaf Children with Delayed Exposure to Sign Language

“…Here, in native signing children and all adults, the RTPJ showed selective responses to stories that described mental states (Mental condition; "The pirate thought that a pile of gold was buried behind Jimmy's house"), with low responses to Social stories that described people's physical appearance or enduring relationships, but not their mental states (Social condition; "Sarah and Lori play together on the soccer team"). In contrast to our results, though, prior studies find that delayed access to language has broad cognitive effects 77,78 , including delayed development of language comprehension and production 79-81 , 82 , literacy 83,84 , and executive functions 85 , differences in language-related brain development [86][87][88] , and consequences for mental health 89,90 . This discrepancy is likely related to characteristics of our sample.…”

Language deprivation syndrome: a possible neurodevelopmental disorder with sociocultural origins

“…A study of 120 oral (speech-only) deaf children suggested that those children with the least developed language abilities had significantly more behavior problems than their hearing peers [68]. Elevated rates of emotional problems and disorders [33] and interpersonal trauma exposure [31,32,34,57] are present, and may have a relationship with language ability [70]. A relationship between language and behavioral health psychopathology appears evident in the deaf population.…”

“…Additionally, a community sample of 308 deaf individuals found elevated reports of lifetime emotional abuse (27.5%), physical abuse (21.0%), and sexual violence (20.8%) [32]. Deaf adolescents can experience emotional and behavioral mental health problems associated with low self-esteem and peer rejection [33], and a range of developmental adversities unique to being deaf in a hearing world such as lack of accessible communication with parents and peers [34]. …”