DefinePK

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with and without hearing impairments in Peshawar. It was hypothesized that i) children having hearing impairment would show high emotional and behavior problems than children having normal hearing; ii) children having hearing impairment would be comparatively more hyperactive than children having normal hearing; iii) Children with hearing impairment would score high on peer problem than children with normal hearing. The sample consisted of 150 students of age’s 4-16 years were recruited from special school in Hayatabad and mainstream school in Peshawar by using purposive sampling technique. Demographic Form and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were used in the study. Result of the study indicated that children with hearing impairment shows high emotional and behavior problem than children with normal hearing (t= 8.225, p< .01) and they are more hyperactive and display comparatively more peer problem than their normal counterparts (t=6.166, p< .01). Findings indicate that children having impairment in hearing are more susceptible to emotional and behavior issues and seems more sensitive and hyperactive because of having different ways of emotional expression as compare to normal population due to the impairment in specific sensory modality.