2026 Theses Doctoral

Family Cohesion and Relationships in Listening and Spoken Language Families With DHH Children

Binnix, Leighann

Families raising deaf or hard-of-hearing (DHH) children who use listening and spoken language (LSL) with cochlear implants (CIs) navigate unique relational, communicative, and organizational challenges. Prior research on family cohesion and sibling relationships either predates the widespread use of CIs, focuses on childhood or adolescence, or centers on predominantly signing Deaf individuals, leaving a gap in understanding the experiences of the current generation of young adults raised with LSL. This study aimed to examine family cohesion, parenting practices, and sibling relationships in these families, integrating multiple family perspectives to provide a comprehensive view of familial functioning.

A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected using the FACES-IV Short Form (family cohesion and flexibility), the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (parenting style), and the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale (sibling relationship quality). Multiple regression analyses examined whether parenting style and sibling relationship quality predicted family cohesion while controlling for demographic variables. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore how family members conceptualize roles, communication, and relational priorities.

Results indicated that families generally demonstrated balanced flexibility and elevated cohesion, with variation across stakeholder perspectives. Authoritative parenting positively predicted family cohesion, whereas authoritarian parenting negatively predicted cohesion; permissive parenting and sibling relationship quality were not significant predictors. Qualitative findings revealed that daily routines were often structured around auditory access and language opportunities for the DHH child, shaping sibling roles, parental practices, and communication patterns. Hearing siblings described varied responses to these roles, which were interpreted positively or negatively depending on individual characteristics.

These findings suggest that family functioning in LSL households is dynamic, relational, and shaped by parenting practices, structural demands, and role negotiation among family members. The study provides an updated understanding of family cohesion and sibling relationships in families raising DHH children with LSL and highlights implications for family centered interventions that support both DHH children and their hearing siblings.