Perceived stigma and self-identity among hearing impaired students: A brief report

This study examines the perceived stigma and its relationship to self-identity among students with hearing impairment. Students (n = 151) with hearing impairment (female = 49.67%; mean age = 13.87 years, SD = 1.26 years) completed the Individual Perceived Stigma Scale and the Self-Identity Scale. Following regression analysis, the results showed that higher devaluation and social distancing significantly lower self-identity. Furthermore, descriptive statistics showed relatively low levels of perceived stigma and an overall low level of self-identity among hearing-impaired students. The results support the disability identity theory in the Chinese cultural setting.