Mr Ramas McRae, Dr Amie O'Shea
1School of Health & Social Development and Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
Biography:
Ramas McRae is currently completing his PhD in deafness, language acquisition and mental health. He holds qualifications in science, interpreting and education. He is a part-time lecturer and tutor and a freelance Consultant, specialising in interpreting, translating and training in deaf awareness and deaf culture as well as deaf arts, particularly film production.
He has fluency in nine languages, including seven sign languages, and is certified as an International Sign interpreter, Auslan interpreter and translator.
His contributions to the deaf community include leadership positions within deaf advocacy, deaf basketball, and deaf arts and being a mentor.
Abstract
Deaf and hard of hearing Australians report adverse mental health outcomes at higher rates than the general population. Early communication experiences play a crucial role in shaping these outcomes, however little is known about how deaf and hard of hearing people perceive the association between their early childhood communication and mental health experiences in adulthood.
Method:
This mixed-methods study utilised qualitative thematic analysis of 16 in-depth interviews with deaf and hard of hearing Australian adults and a quantitative survey using a retrospective cohort design completed by over 300 deaf and hard of hearing participants to gather comprehensive data on their experiences.
Results:
Deaf and hard of hearing Australians report that inadequate early communication impacts their mental health outcomes. Early clinical interventions were often deficit-based and viewed unfavourably by deaf and hard of hearing recipients. The interviews highlighted internal and external stressors experienced by participants resulting from interactions with people who could not sign, particularly within the family and school environments. Survey results highlighted that a shared, accessible childhood language, cultural validation, and peer-based opportunities for developing a positive sense of self, were protective of mental health.
Discussion:
Deaf and hard of hearing Australians identified extensive challenges resulting from poor early life communication experiences. These included higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation compared to their hearing counterparts. A holistic approach to improving access to language and communication, inclusive of Auslan, with deaf and hard of hearing children, across settings, is needed to support better mental health outcomes.