Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


wright1310159367.pdf (844.35 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Suicidal Behavior, Language Acquisition, and Deafness: Evaluating the potential relationship between age of language acquisition and prevalence of suicidal behavior in a Deaf population with co-occurring substance use disorder

Embree, Jared A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1310159367

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Arts (MA), Wright State University, Applied Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice and Social Problems.
Since 2008, the Deaf Off Drugs and Alcohol (DODA) Program has provided culturally appropriate cessation and recovery support services via e-therapy to Deaf/HH individuals with a clinically diagnosed substance use disorder (SUD). The information collected by the DODA program presented an opportunity to study the relationship between delayed language acquisition and suicidal ideation and attempts in a population that has historically been understudied, yet has increased prevalence in both suicidal behavior and significantly delayed language acquisition compared to the general population. Of the 107 prelingually Deaf consumers in the program, 18 reported language acquisition later than age ten. This study proposed that manifestations of this delay may contribute to known risk factors for suicidal behavior as well as adaptive communication in the form of suicidal gestures and parasuicide. As hypothesized, the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts increased with substance use disorder or mental illness. Suicide attempts were also higher in this sample than studies suggest with comorbidity of substance use disorder and co-occurring mental illness. Each of these factors was amplified among those participants with significantly delayed language acquisition. Although caution should be exercised when comparing these results with the hearing population, they underscore the need for increased attention and further inquiry.
David Orenstein, PhD (Committee Chair)
Julie Williams, PsyD (Committee Member)
Karen Lahm, PhD (Committee Member)
Dennis Moore, EdD (Committee Member)
85 p.
Behavioral Sciences
deaf; sign language; asl; suicide; suicidal behavior; parasuicide; language delay; language acquisition; e-therapy; SUD; mental illness; hearing impairment

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Embree, J. A. (2011). Suicidal Behavior, Language Acquisition, and Deafness: Evaluating the potential relationship between age of language acquisition and prevalence of suicidal behavior in a Deaf population with co-occurring substance use disorder [Master's thesis, Wright State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1310159367

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Embree, Jared. Suicidal Behavior, Language Acquisition, and Deafness: Evaluating the potential relationship between age of language acquisition and prevalence of suicidal behavior in a Deaf population with co-occurring substance use disorder. 2011. Wright State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1310159367.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Embree, Jared. "Suicidal Behavior, Language Acquisition, and Deafness: Evaluating the potential relationship between age of language acquisition and prevalence of suicidal behavior in a Deaf population with co-occurring substance use disorder." Master's thesis, Wright State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=wright1310159367

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

wright1310159367
750
© 2011, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.