The role of personal goals in predicting adjustment and well-being among individuals with acquired hearing loss

The present study explored the role of personal goals in acceptance of and adjustment to hearing loss. Data was collected from 100 adults with acquired, adult-onset hearing loss at a non-profit organization that provides audiologic services and hearing rehabilitation. Participants completed a measure of personal strivings (Emmons, 1989) that evaluated goal commitment, impact of hearing loss on goals, self-determination, and psychosocial goal maturity, and a measure of goal flexibility. Hearing loss severity was measured by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) administered prior to participation. Well-being and adjustment were assessed with self-report measures. Results suggest that having a strong commitment to goals that are impacted by hearing loss relates to decreased adjustment and well-being. Striving self-determination was found to be a stronger predictor of life satisfaction among individuals with more self-acceptance. Hearing impaired individuals with more psychosocially mature and self-determined goals tended to report greater well-being. There was some evidence that goal flexibility moderates the relationship between hearing loss severity and adjustment. No support was found for the notion that goal maturity mediates the relationship between age and adjustment to hearing loss.