Leisure-Time Interests and Aspirations of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Adolescents

This study analyzes the structure of leisure-time interests and aspirations among deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents, comparing them with their hearing peers. The sample consisted of 94 participants (deaf, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students) aged 14 to 18. Data were collected using the IF Questionnaire (Students' Interests and Aspirations; Suzić, 2003) across five key domains: television, entertainment, music, love/dating, and community service. Statistical analysis (ANOVA, t-test) reveals a significant discrepancy between involvement and aspirations, with adolescents expressing a desire for greater advancement than their actual level of engagement reflects, particularly regarding community service. An inverse trend was observed regarding television consumption, characterized by a high level of passive engagement alongside low aspirations; this is primarily attributed to communication fatigue and barriers within interactive spheres. Comparative analysis confirms the statistically significant marginalization of deaf and hard-of-hearing adolescents in the domains of entertainment and dating, although hard-of-hearing students demonstrate social aspirations comparable to those of the hearing population. The findings underscore the need to foster meaningful leisure activities through universal design and the strengthening of self-advocacy skills to ensure successful social integration and the transition to adulthood.