A Study of the Parenting Styles adopted by Deaf and Hearing Parents of Children with Normal Hearing

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the parenting styles of deaf and hearing parents of children with normal hearing. Parenting significantly influences social adjustment, emotional stability, academic achievement and psychosocial wellbeing of a child. A qualitative, descriptive research design was used. Deaf and hearing parents of children with normal hearing residing in Punjab were population of the study. 208 parents out of which 104 deaf parents (79 deaf mothers, 25 deaf fathers), 104 hearing parents (79 mothers, 25 fathers) were selected by convenient sampling technique. A self-made questionnaire was used to assess parenting style. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used for data analysis. The results indicated that despite certain similarities in parenting styles of hearing and deaf parents, significant differences are also found in their parenting. It is recommended that counseling should be provided to deaf parents, whereas impact of parenting styles should be publicize for all parent through media.