Examining interventions to improve young deaf people's mental health: a search for evidence

Abstract

Background Young deaf and hard of hearing people have a higher prevalence of mental health problems than their hearing peers. Little is known about mental health interventions that promote positive mental health in this population group. Aim To evaluate evidence of mental health interventions with young deaf and hard of hearing people. Methods A literature review was performed over four databases: CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science and Proquest, for peer reviewed articles written in English that focused on interventions to improve young Deaf people's mental health. Results The search yielded 62 papers, with none eligible for inclusion. Information did not relate directly to mental health interventions that improve young deaf and hard of hearing people's mental health or that support social and emotional behavioural issues. Conclusions Practitioners and researchers need to work closely with deaf and hard of hearing communities and explore what improves young deaf and hard of hearing people's mental health.