Factors Associated with Well-Being in a Sample of Deaf Adults

Happiness is a life state to which many Americans aspire. Studies of happiness in the general population abound. However, studies that investigate individuals with disabilities are lacking, especially among people with disabilities. This study examines the correlates of happiness among 377 deaf adults using an anonymous online questionnaire. Results indicate that there are several correlates of happiness, including satisfaction with family and friends' relationships and communication, membership in the deaf and hearing communities, education, income, body image, education, and resilience. All except education were predictors of happiness scores. These findings are supported by other studies of the general population. They support the idea that deaf individuals are happy when they have satisfying employment, living conditions, family and friends, community membership, income, body image, education, and resilience.