The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Resiliency with Mental Health in People with Hearing Impairment

Background and Objectives: People with hearing impairments are exposed to many health problems. These deficiencies can disrupt the mental health and other aspects of daily living. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and resilience with mental health in people with hearing loss. Materials and Methods: The statistical population consisted of all persons with hearing impairment referred to the audiology center of Faculty of Rehabilitation of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 98-97 and the sample included 154 persons who were selected by available method. Questionnaires were included Goldberg and Hiller's General Health (1979), Bar-An's Emotional Intelligence (1980) and Conner and Davidson's Resiliency questionnaires (2003). Data were analyzed using correlation and stepwise regression. Results: The results of this study showed that all dimensions of emotional intelligence and resiliency had significant positive relationship with mental health. The results of regression analysis also showed that the variables of independence, self-concept, problem solving, optimism, and impulse control were able to predict mental health and explain 21% of its variance. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the necessity of considering the underlying variables of emotional intelligence and resilience in mental health of people with hearing impairment and draw the attention of mental health professionals to this issue.