Reading the Signs: Impact of Signed Versus Written Questionnaires on the Prevalence of Psychopathology Among Deaf Adolescents^∗

Abstract

An interactive Auslan version of the YSR is reliable, better accepted and yields higher rates of disturbance than the standard written questionnaire. Clinicians should be aware that using written instruments to assess psychopathology in deaf adolescents may produce invalid results or may underestimate the level of disturbance, particularly emotional problems.

Use of the Brief Shame and Guilt Questionnaire in Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children and Adolescents

“…Therefore, the response scale should be term-based. And fifth, translations in sign language should be made available, since reliabilities for self-report questionnaires have been found to increase when items are presented in a child’s native language, or for DHH children in their preferred mode of communication (Cornes, Rohan, Napier, & Rey, 2006).…”

Psychometric properties of a sign language version of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI)

“…The translation was performed in accordance with internationally acknowledged translation procedures [25,26] as well as specific procedures suggested for translating written and spoken material into sign language [11,22,27]. A bilingual team of hearing and deaf clinicians and researchers translated each item into sign language and sent video-recordings to deaf and hearing bilingual professionals not familiar with the original text, who back-translated the items into written Norwegian.…”

Assessing Fitness for Trial of Deaf Defendants

“…Work undertaken by Cornes, Rohan, Napier, and Rey (2006) has resulted in an Auslan version of the Youth Self Report, a measure of psychopathology for adolescents. The development of valid and culturally appropriate cognitive assessment tools remains an area that warrants further study, particularly in light of comorbidities that are associated with deafness.…”