A COMPARISON OF HEARING-IMPAIRED STUDENTS IN ISRAEL, DENMARK, AND THE UNITED-STATES

Hearing-impaired students, ages six through twelve, in Israel (N = 224), Denmark (N = 177), and the United States (N = 180) were compared, from teachers'' ratings on the Meadow/Kendall Social-Emotional Assessment Inventory for Deaf and Hearing-Impaired Students. Scores for the three groups did not differ on two scales ("social adjustment" and "self-image"). On the third summary scale ("emotional adjustment"), Israeli and American students'' scores did not differ; Danish students were rated more positively than either of the other two groups. Students from all three countries were given high (positive) ratings on individual items reflecting severe behavioral problems; but were seen negatively on items reflecting immaturity such as dependence and inability to accept criticism. All three groups were seen as having problems in social and school relationships, but were rated as being motivated for school work and for communication with others. In addition to these similarities among the three groups, a numer of cross-national differences are reported, which may be related to cultural expectations for handicapped children.