Identity Formation and Influencing Factors in d/Deaf Adolescents and Young Adults: A Qualitative Interview Study

The AYAs we interviewed were curious about and often actively exploring their identities as a d/Deaf person, even those using spoken language, from hearing families, or with hearing devices. Our study confirmed that many of those using ASL and connected with the Deaf community identified proudly as Deaf. We also found that those with strong spoken language use and family support developed a deaf identity they were proud of. Therefore, in our study, deaf is both a medical term to describe hearing level and an identity. Given our participants' strong interest in identity, clinicians and families could place more emphasis on supporting the development of this d/Deaf identity and fostering positive identity formation through exploration, language, and community.