| Unit name | The Psychology of Deafness |
|---|---|
| Unit code | DEAF30009 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Emeritus Professor. Jim Kyle |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Applied Community and Health Studies |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
The unit takes a lifespan perspective of the adjustment to deafness, examining the growth of children in atypical surroundings and in conditions of language deprivation through to old age and the isolation experienced as a result of the one-generational aspect of deafness. The unit will examine the research literature on deaf children's early psychological growth, the emergence of language and cognition. In adolescence the issues of interaction and identity will be explored. In employment and family life, the topics of personal interaction and socialisation will be considered and the difficulties which have led to much greater incidence of mental health problems in Deaf people. Ageing as a confounding factor in deafness is studied and the specific personal and social issues that arise are considered. Throughout the lifespan approach, the cognitive effects of sign language and deafness are described.
