Self-control is important for health and well-being. Many studies explore how mindfulness improves self-control. However, its effects on deaf individuals are not well-known.
A new study in BMC Psychology examined this relationship. It tested mindfulness, inner peace, and self-control in hearing and deaf groups.
The study found mindfulness linked to self-control in both groups. However, the effect was weaker in the deaf group. Tailored mindfulness programs could help deaf individuals improve self-control and well-being.
Methods
The study tested three ideas:
- Mindfulness is related to self-control.
- Inner peace links mindfulness to self-control.
- Life experience changes how mindfulness connects to self-control.
The study surveyed 324 college students in Central and Western China. Responses with errors or patterns were excluded. The final sample had 121 deaf students and 142 hearing students.
All deaf students had hearing loss over 90 decibels. None used hearing aids. Their deafness was genetic or caused during pregnancy. All attended special education schools and used Chinese Sign Language.
Three scales were used:
- Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS): This scale has 15 items rated on a 6-point scale. It measures awareness of the present moment.
- Peace of Mind Scale (POM): This scale has 7 items rated on a 5-point scale. It measures emotional calmness and balance.
- Belief Self-Control Scale (BSCS): This scale has 13 items rated on a 5-point scale. Higher scores show stronger self-control. Four items are reverse-scored.
Results
Self-control scores were similar in both groups. However, deaf individuals scored lower in mindfulness and inner peace.
In the deaf group, mindfulness linked to self-control. Inner peace also linked to self-control, but not to mindfulness. In the hearing group, all three were strongly linked.
Mindfulness predicted inner peace and self-control. Inner peace also predicted self-control.
Life experience affected this pathway. Deaf students in special schools showed a weaker link between mindfulness, self-control, and inner peace.
Even with lower mindfulness, deaf individuals showed similar self-control to hearing individuals. This suggests they rely on other methods to manage self-control.
Mindfulness improves self-control by increasing inner peace. Inner peace helps with decisions and reduces impulsive behaviors.
These results suggest mindfulness programs could help deaf individuals. Inclusive mindfulness programs may also work well for both groups.
Tailored programs for deaf participants could use visual or vibration tools. These tools include videos with subtitles, sign language, and vibration-based apps.
Limitations
This study has some limits. Self-reported data may cause bias. Future studies should use experiments and multiple data sources.
The design of this study cannot prove cause and effect. The sample focused on deaf students in special schools. Future studies should include deaf students in mainstream schools for comparison.
Conclusion
The new study shows how mindfulness, inner peace, and self-control are connected. Tailored programs could help deaf individuals improve well-being. Inclusive spaces for mindfulness could benefit both groups.
Source: Relationship between mindfulness and self-control in deaf individuals: mediating role of inner peace and moderating role of life experience. Authors: Fu-Yi Yang, Tong-Ao Zeng, Meng Xu, Han Zhu, Fu-Xiang Li, Xuan-feng Duan, and Wen-Jun An.
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