Hearing the Deaf: A Qualitative Exploration of Happiness, Well-being, Meaning in Life and Transcendence in Adults with Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss

Authors

  • Dr. Anindita Chaudhuri University of Calcutta Author
  • Dr. Tilottama Mukherjee University oof Calcutta Author
  • Dr. Dibyangana Woxsen University Author
  • Dr. Nilanjana Sawmi Vivekananda University Author
  • Sukanya Chowdhury Manipal University Author

Keywords:

Hearing-impairment, happiness, wellbeing, meaning in life, transcendence

Abstract

In India, a considerable percentage of the population is affected by mild to moderate degree of hearing loss, which can have an impact on multiple aspects of an individual’s life. The existing literature on the deaf community and their psychosocial health has a dearth of knowledge on the sources of happiness and well-being in the lives of individuals living with hearing impairment, especially in the Indian context. The aim of the current study was to explore through a qualitative analysis- the factors that play a role in ensuring the happiness and well-being of individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss along with those factors that add meaning in their lives and lead to transcendence. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 15 individuals from Kolkata, having mild to moderate hearing loss, between the age range of 30-45 years. The study shed light on how factors such as having a respectable job, supportive family and friends are conducive for the participants’ happiness and well-being. Instances of how the deaf community often faces bullying and micro-aggressions in their day-to-day interactions with able-bodied individuals were also reported. The study also revealed how engaging in different art forms and striving for excellence in whatever they do add significant meaning to their lives. The study takes a positive paradigm to explore the factors that contribute most to their psychological well-being and happiness. 

Author Biographies

  • Dr. Anindita Chaudhuri, University of Calcutta

    Dr. Anindita Chaudhuri is an Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Calcutta. She has worked on several DST-SAP and ICSSR projects on Psycho-social factors and impairment related issues. She had worked with prominent national and international researchers in several disciplines. She has worked in some of the most difficult population, that are restricted and cannot be approached easily. Despite of having a pure experimental background she has expanded her research field to social- community psychology, gender studies, consumer behaviour, consumer psychology, marketing, and many other fields. Her current research interest are - Self, Identity and Marginalization.

  • Dr. Dibyangana, Woxsen University

    Assistant Professor of Psychology at the School of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Woxsen University

  • Dr. Nilanjana, Sawmi Vivekananda University

    Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Swami Vivekananda University

  • Sukanya Chowdhury, Manipal University

    Clinical Psychologist, Manipal University

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Published

2024-05-30

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024): Proceedings of The Global Conference on Psychology

Section

Articles