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SUMMARY:Thesis Defense: Riley Pettit
DESCRIPTION:Title: Between Friends: Analyzing Communication Dynamics Between Adolescents with Hearing Loss and their Hearing Peers \nAbstract: Friendships are essential for adolescent development\, fostering emotional well-being\, social competence\, and a sense of belonging (Lambez et al.\, 2020; Manchanda et al.\, 2023). For deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) adolescents\, friendships with hearing peers present unique opportunities and challenges shaped by communication access\, social perceptions\, and environmental factors (Terlektsi et al.\, 2020). Research on these friendships remains limited\, particularly in understanding how communication strategies influence relationship quality. \nThis mixed methods study examined the friendships of five DHH-hearing adolescent friend pairs (ages 8–15\, mean age = 10.8) through qualitative interviews and quantitative analysis using the Friendship Qualities Questionnaire (FQQ; Bukowski et al.\, 1994). Based upon the parameters of the FQQ\, results from five key themes – companionship\, help\, conflict\, security\, and closeness – are shared alongside emergent subthemes that capture the complexities of these relationships. A central focus is the role of communication strategies in fostering connection\, navigating conflict\, and maintaining closeness. \nGrounded in the social model of disability (Oliver\, 1990)\, this study shifts the perspective from individual deficits to the broader environmental and social structures that shape friendships. Findings highlight both challenges\, such as communication breakdowns and social exclusion\, and strengths\, including creativity in communication\, mutual support\, and deep emotional bonds. Observations provide further insight into the natural interactions between DHH and hearing friends\, illustrating how they adapt and negotiate their social worlds. The results of this study offer valuable implications for speech-language pathologists\, educators\, and caregivers. By identifying key factors that contribute to successful friendships\, professionals can support social communication development and implement strategies to promote inclusive peer interactions. Findings underscore the need for increased awareness of accessibility in social settings and suggest practical approaches to fostering meaningful\, supportive friendships for DHH adolescents.
URL:https://grad.southernct.edu/event/thesis-defense-riley-pettit/
LOCATION:Health and Human Services\, Room 271\, 493 Fitch St\, New Haven\, CT\, 06514\, United States
CATEGORIES:Defense
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://grad.southernct.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Riley-Petitt.jpg
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LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T233934Z
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SUMMARY:Master's Thesis Defense: Eunice Kim
DESCRIPTION:Title: The Role of Inclusive and Representative Materials in Language Sampling Methods and Analysis\n \nAbstract: Standardized speech and language assessments often fail to account for cultural and linguistic diversity\, since they are typically norm-referenced\, single-word assessments based on mainstream populations\, preventing clinicians from recognizing cultural differences in language use (McLeod & Verdon\, 2014). To ensure culturally sensitive best practices\, incorporating language sampling\, which captures spontaneous and naturalistic language use\, can provide more accurate diagnoses in all populations. For young children\, language sampling typically includes child-led\, clinician supported facilitated play with age-appropriate toys. Language samples\, typically audio-recorded and transcribed\, are analyzed using formal protocols such as Sampling Utterances and Grammatical Analysis Revised (SUGAR) method (Pavelko & Owens\, 2022) and/or with clinician calculations of semantic\, syntactic\, and pragmatic development\, such as Mean Length of Utterance (MLU). This study examined whether toys representing diversity (e.g.\, dolls with different skin tones\, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices\, cochlear implants\, and mobility aids) influenced language sample quality across seven measures in eight typically developing preschoolers\, with a mean age of 4;5 years. While quantitative analysis found no significant differences in language complexity\, qualitative findings revealed that children displayed curiosity and engagement\, particularly with toys that depicted disability aids. This suggests that although diverse toys may not directly impact language output\, they can foster meaningful conversations about representation and inclusion (Ezmeci et al.\, 2022). These results underscore the importance of incorporating diverse materials into speech-language therapy\, as they support self-recognition and social connection in naturalistic assessment (Long\, 2024).
URL:https://grad.southernct.edu/event/masters-thesis-defense-eunice-kim/
LOCATION:Health and Human Services\, Room 271\, 493 Fitch St\, New Haven\, CT\, 06514\, United States
CATEGORIES:Defense
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://grad.southernct.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Eunice-Kim.png
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