The Influence of Parenting Styles Types on the Intelligence and Decision Making of the Deaf

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of types of parenting styles on intelligence and decision-making among the deaf. The tools comprised the Wechsler Intelligence Scale-4th edition (WISC-4) for deaf, using sign language, was used to assess deaf students’ intelligence and a scale of professional decision-making. The sample of the study included 157 deaf students in deaf schools in Jordan whose ages ranged from 13 to 16.11 years. WISC-4 was administered using sign language. The results showed that the democratic pattern was high, the level of intelligence for deaf students was average, and the professional decision-making was of a medium level. Also, there was a negative relationship between the authoritarian style, the permissive pattern, and the overall intelligence. There were statistically significant differences in the permissive type and the intelligence of the deaf due to gender in favor of females. Significant differences in speech comprehension, working memory, and overall intelligence were found in favor of mild hearing impairment. There were significant differences in the IQ level of the age variable in favor of students aged 13 years. The study recommends more research regarding the effect of hearing impairment on the psychological aspects of professional decision-making and providing hearing parents with training in sign language and rules for communicating with their deaf children. Keywords: Sign language, Deaf, The family, Family upbringing, Wechsler Scale-4, Intelligence.