Abstract

Objectives: To determine the effects of bullying and depression on social communication and the relationship of demographic variables with social communication, depression, and bullying, among Hearing-Impaired Adolescents.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Riphah International University from November 2022 to April 2023, and included 246 hearing-impaired students using non-probability convenience sampling. The sample included both genders, aged 10-19 years, with mild, moderate, and severe hearing impairment using hearing aids. The demographic form, Olweos Bullying Victimization Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Social Communication Questionnaire were used for data collection. SPSS version 22 was utilized for data analysis.

Results: There was a positive correlation of bullying with social communication, which was not significant (r=0.056, p=0.384). Depression had a significant negative correlation (r= -.310, p=0.000) with social communication, and it had a negative correlation with bullying, which was not significant (r=-0.047, p=0.467). A significant positive correlation of age (r=0.341, p=0.000), grade (r=0.528, p=0.000), and a negative correlation of birth order (r=-0.128, p=0.045) were noted with bullying.

Conclusion: Depression has a significant negative effect on social communication, while bullying has an insignificant effect on social communication and depression. Also, bullying has a significant positive relationship with age and grade and a negative relationship with birth order among hearing-impaired adolescents.

Key words: Bullying, communication, depression, hearing impairment.