Some Psychosocial Determinants of Cyber-Intimate Image Diffusion: A Cross-Sectional Study among In-School Deaf Adolescents

Abstract

This study determined some psychosocial variables on cyber-intimate image diffusion among in-school deaf adolescents from two states in North-Central Nigeria. A descriptive research design and a multistage sampling procedure were employed in identifying 186 deaf adolescents who participated in the study. Two hypotheses were formulated for the study. The theory of planned behaviour was adopted as a framework for the study. Data generated through the questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency count and simple percentage as well as inferential statistics of bivariate correlation and t-test at .05 level of significance. Sixty-five percent of the respondents were aged 16-19. All respondents used WhatsApp and 78% had a Facebook profile. Findings revealed a positive significant relationship between emotional intelligence (r = .489; p < 0.05), self-esteem (r = .530; p < 0.05) and cyber-intimate image diffusion. Also, significant differences were found between Christian and Muslim respondents (t = 11.250; p < 0.05); low and high emotional intelligence (t = -2.412; p < 0.05); low and high self-esteem (t = -11.958; p < 0.05) with regard to cyber-intimate intimate image diffusion. The study concludes that emotional intelligence and self-esteem are determinants of cyber-intimate image diffusion among deaf adolescents. This study, therefore, recommends a synergy between parents of the deaf and professionals working with deaf adolescents to develop modalities that enhance psychological wellbeing and reduce cyber-intimate image diffusion among deaf adolescents.

Including the Excluded in Antenatal Care: A Systematic Review of Concerns for D/deaf Pregnant Women

“…In other words, where interaction and social relationships involved oral communication, individuals who were D/deaf seemed to be excluded. The exclusion of the D/deaf in communication processes that involved the verbal exchange of ideas or thoughts in social and or health discourses heightened the traumatic experiences associated with deafness [9,15,34,37]. Mustafa and Addar [35] indicated the use of pen and paper for communication in the case of an educated 30-year-old Deaf pregnant Saudi woman.…”

“…Individuals who are D/deaf may be insensitive to sounds and thus lack the ability to actively respond to auditory-verbal stimuli [9,10]. The condition may arise at any stage of life.…”

“…Thus, it is somewhat difficult to compare the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the acquisition of spoken language and its use in the context of prelingual deafness. Difficulties associated with coping with the loss of the ability to further use spoken language by individuals with postlingual deafness may further aggravate withdrawal tendencies and elevate psychosocial disorders [9,11]. Irrespective of their experiences in relation to deafness, it is pertinent to acknowledge the diversity in terms of identity and/or physiological conditions through the use of "D" and "d".…”

“…Thus, the inability to actively communicate and interact adequately in situations where oral communication is needed has put the D/deaf at a disadvantage. According to Adigun [9], the communication gap between hearing members of the community and individuals who are D/deaf influences the level of marginalization and stigmatization experienced by the latter. Among the challenging issues related to D/deaf women's health, sexual and menstrual health, as well as pregnancy and its care, remain a contemporary phenomenon.…”