Hearing impairment is a major impairment that disrupts one of the most important
functions and needs of the human being, namely, to communicate. Due to elusive
understanding of the phenomenon, hearing impairment is seen as one of the serious
anomalies, next to visual impairment.
Hearing loss has adverse effects on speech, language, cognitive and psychosocial
development, and subsequently affects educational and vocational attainment. There is
also an effect of hearing loss on behavioural and social functions, as well as general
quality of life. The effects of hearing loss are different for everyone, but most hearingimpaired adolescents suffer some social, psychological and physical problems as a result
of their hearing loss.
It is against this background that the study sought to explore whether the communication
between the adolescent with a hearing impairment and a social worker or a counsellor
could be improved. The researcher therefore implemented the use of Gestalt play
techniques with adolescents who live with a hearing impairment with the aim of exploring
their experiences of communication by means of these techniques. Gestalt play
techniques were utilised in order to gain insight into the experiences of adolescents when
making use of these techniques for communication.
The research was conducted by means of a qualitative research approach. The study
was exploratory and descriptive in nature and the type of research was applied. The
vii
researcher made use of an instrumental case study as a research design. Non-probability
sampling methods were used, as the sample was not randomly selected. Specific criteria
were specified for selection of five participants. Data collection by means of semistructured interviews was conducted after group sessions were held to explore the
experiences of adolescents with a hearing impairment of communicating through Gestalt
play techniques. During the research, play techniques were used to enhance
communication and the ‘sense of self’. There was, however, no exploration of specific
issues and therapy was not provided. Data was analysed by making use of thematic
analysis by identifying themes or patterns in the data.
The empirical findings confirmed different experiences by participants in terms of
communication by means of play techniques. Techniques selected were non-threatening,
easy to understand and not for therapeutic purposes. The use of contact functions
enhanced the sense of self, which allowed participants to express their emotions. The
participants indicated drawing, clay and drawing a safe place as useful and positive
experiences. The use of play techniques and activities that were abstract in nature were
not generally experienced in a positive manner. The participants were supportive in the
group setting as they had shared experiences and understandings, which enabled them
to talk freely and openly. Their need to connect with peers, especially having a hearing
impairment in common, bonded them. Therefore, play techniques to enhance
communication had a positive emotional effect on participants as heightened awareness
of emotions were experienced.
Recommendations for practice can be highlighted as social workers or counsellors should
be knowledgeable regarding adolescent development and hearing impairment as a phenomenon, about various communication forms and should be able to adjust their communication style when communicating with hearing-impaired children/adolescents. It is also important that time is spend on the establishment of a therapeutic relationship with the child/adolescent. / Mini Dissertation (MSW (Play-based Intervention))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Social Work and Criminology / MSW (Play-based Intervention) / Restricted
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:up/oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/78027 |
| Date | January 2020 |
| Creators | Stander, Charlize |
| Contributors | Hall, Herna, charlizestander@gmail.com |
| Publisher | University of Pretoria |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Mini Dissertation |
| Rights | © 2019 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
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