La Capacidad para Adaptarse: Examples of Resilience among Oyendo Bien Participants

Abstract

Purpose Group audiologic rehabilitation programs provide social support, health education, and skills that help individuals living with hearing loss cope with the effects on communication and quality of life (Montano & Spitzer, 2014). This study utilized a qualitative research approach to document examples of resilience among individuals with hearing loss and their family members within a group hearing health education and support intervention in a rural, Mexican-American, Spanish speaking community. Methods: A retrospective analysis of previously coded family focus group sessions (n=27) and interviews with patients with hearing loss (n=20) examined examples of resilience that emerged through discussion. Prospectively, audio recordings were obtained for Groups 11 and 12 of the Oyendo Bien intervention (n=27 enrolled, observed n=13). Discussions from sessions 1, 3, and 5 were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded. A codebook detailing resilience as a construct was developed based on qualities, processes, and assets of resilience based on criteria documented in resilience research (Bermudez & Mancini, 2013; Richardson, 2002; Walsh, 2002; Yorgason, Piercy, & Piercy, 2007). All coding was completed in Spanish, with translation to English for reporting results. Two independent raters completed the coding. Results: Examples of resilience were found retrospectively (within the needs assessment) and prospectively (among group discussions in the intervention). Cultural aspects of resilience (familismo, personalismo, respeto, spirituality, and fatalismo) and resilience processes (making meaning of hearing loss, using coping strategies and family support) were present across both data sources. Self-efficacy and humor were more commonly observed in group intervention discussions (prospective group). Conclusions: Examples of resilience among Oyendo Bien participants highlight participant strengths and may be a future source of increasing resilience, acceptance, and coping when living with hearing loss. Incorporating aspects of resilience into aural rehabilitation may help enhance participants resilience which may help increase better quality of life.