Behavioral problems in deaf populations: a literature review

Studies have found that deaf individuals have higher rates of psychiatric disorders، such as behavioral problems، than those who can hear. The aim of this review was to provide a summary of the literature on behavioral problems، with specific reference to deaf individuals. The objectives of the review were to establish the prevalence of behavioral problems in deaf populations; describe the risk factor for behavioral problems in deaf populations; and describe approaches to intervention and behavioral problems prevention that have been used in deaf populations. A review of articles published between 1991 and 2013 showed that the prevalence of behavioral problems in deaf people is higher than that of hearing people. Risk factors for behavioral problems in deaf populations include language impairments، communication problems، the role of parents، and the community’s beliefs and attitudes regarding the issue. Given the high prevalence of behavioral problems in deaf people، the effectiveness of prevention strategies should be examined. Consequently، it would be advantageous to increase the availability of specialist mental health services، promote deaf awareness including their abilities، promote awareness and skills development among teachers، staff، and specialists and implement behavior change programs.