Effectiveness of self-management therapy in the management of psychological distress among adolescents with hearing impairment in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Psychological wellbeing has been linked to wellness in all facets of life. However, these processes become altered when man becomes distressed because of some factors ranging from intra to inter personal factors influencing man’s stable psychological wellness. Hence, such conditions need to be moderated. This study examined the effectiveness of self-management therapy in the management of psychological distress among adolescents with hearing impairment. The study employed quasi experimental pre-test-post- test design with a sample of 39 adolescents with hearing impairment purposively selected using Kesler Psychological Distress Scale with index scores of 19 and above as distress threshold. Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation (Core-10) and Rosenberg Self-esteem Rating Scale were used for both pre and post- test among participants. Three hypotheses were tested in the study. The results revealed that there was a significant main effect of treatment (self-management therapy) on management of psychological distress among adolescents; there was a significant main effect of onset of hearing loss on participants’ management of psychological distress and there was a significant interaction effect of onset of hearing loss and self-esteem on participants management of psychological distress. Stakeholders in the education and care of adolescents with hearing impairment were encouraged to employ self-management therapy in reducing their psychological distresses.