Social Support and Optimism in deaf and hard-of-hearing College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model of Belief about Adversity

Few studies focus on the mental health of deaf population. This study aims to explore the association between social support and optimism and advance knowledge of why and for whom increased social support was effective. 771 deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students from two special education colleges in China were investigated. Questionnaires regarding social support, belief about adversity and optimism were distributed online. Multivariate linear regression and structural equation model were performed to examine mediating and moderating effects. This study found that perceived social support was positively associated with optimism in 771 Chinese college students who were D/HH. The study also found that having a belief in being able to face adversity successfully was associated with great social support. The relationship between a positive perspective regarding dealing with adversity and optimism was moderated by gender. For females, a positive belief regarding dealing with adversity was related to optimism. For males there was no relationship between belief about adversity and optimism. Additional consideration needs to be given to those D/HH students who report little social support and to females who do not believe they can successfully overcome adversity. Our study identified the risk population for intervention to improve mental health and well-being in D/HHcommunities.