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Understanding the psychosocial experiences of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss: an application of Leventhal’s self-regulatory model

Heffernan, Eithne; Coulson, Neil S.; Henshaw, Helen; Barry, Johanna G.; Ferguson, Melanie A.

Authors

Eithne Heffernan

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HELEN HENSHAW HELEN.HENSHAW@NOTTINGHAM.AC.UK
Principal Research Fellow

Johanna G. Barry

Melanie A. Ferguson



Abstract

Objective: This study explored the psychosocial experiences of adults with hearing loss using the self-regulatory model as a theoretical framework. The primary components of the model, namely cognitive representations, emotional representations, and coping responses, were examined. Design: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using an established thematic analysis procedure. Study sample: Twenty-five adults with mild-moderate hearing loss from the UK and nine hearing healthcare professionals from the UK, USA, and Canada were recruited via maximum variation sampling. Results: Cognitive representations: Most participants described their hearing loss as having negative connotations and consequences, although they were not particularly concerned about the progression or controllability/curability of the condition. Opinions differed regarding the benefits of understanding the causes of one’s hearing loss in detail. Emotional representations: negative emotions dominated, although some experienced positive emotions or muted emotions. Coping responses: engaged coping (e.g. hearing aids, communication tactics) and disengaged coping (e.g. withdrawal from situations, withdrawal within situations): both had perceived advantages and disadvantages. Conclusions: This novel application of the self-regulatory model demonstrates that it can be used to capture the key psychosocial experiences (i.e. perceptions, emotions, and coping responses) of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss within a single, unifying framework.

Citation

Heffernan, E., Coulson, N. S., Henshaw, H., Barry, J. G., & Ferguson, M. A. (in press). Understanding the psychosocial experiences of adults with mild-moderate hearing loss: an application of Leventhal’s self-regulatory model. International Journal of Audiology, 55(sup3), Article S3-S12. https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2015.1117663

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 3, 2015
Online Publication Date Jan 12, 2016
Deposit Date Nov 18, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal International Journal of Audiology
Print ISSN 1499-2027
Electronic ISSN 1708-8186
Publisher Taylor & Francis Open
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 55
Issue sup3
Article Number S3-S12
DOI https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2015.1117663
Keywords Hearing Loss, Leventhal’s Self-regulatory Model, Common Sense Model, Illness Representations, Psychosocial Impact, Qualitative Research
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/772979
Publisher URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.3109/14992027.2015.1117663

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