Childhood deafness and maternal control

Abstract

Comparison of the mother-child interactions of deaf-child and hearing-child dyads showed an emphasis on control (instructions and commands) by mothers of deaf children. This finding is reminiscent of previous observations regarding the mother-child interactions of mentally retarded children. The maternal emphasis on control seen in both groups may be unrelated to either deafness or to mental deficiency; instead, it may represent a “normal” adaptation to the breakdown in reciprocal communication which is commonly (and unnecessarily) seen in both deafness and mental retardation.