Exploring peer victimization and/or bullying in the lives of adolescents and children with deafness and hearing impairment: An integrative review

Abstract

Background: Peer victimization and/or bullying among deaf and hard of hearing adolescents and children is a public health concern. To resolve this concern without causing harm, parents, educators, and administrative staff from schools must be provided with the necessary assistance.

Aim: To understand the negative effect of peer victimization and/or bullying on deaf and hard of hearing adolescents and children.

Method: Whittemore and Knafl’s (2005) framework was adapted for this integrative review. The following databases were searched: Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Pub Med, and APA PsycInfo. A total of seven articles published between 2005 and 2021 met the inclusion criteria.

Results: Peer victimization and/or bullying were found to result in physical health and physical harm, emotional harm, and psychological harm. These harms can severely affect physical health, especially among girls. Furthermore, these harms can negatively impact school outcomes and cause long-term psychological health problems, such as mental health problems, especially among girls.

Conclusions: Educational sessions for teachers, parents, adolescents, and children, beginning with teachers, should be provided to prevent peer victimization and/or bullying within the educational system in Qatar in order to have a safe learning environment that is free of harm.