Fear of Compassion and Social Anxiety among Students with Hearing Impairment: A Chain Mediation Model

Xiaoyue Liu; Liuting Guo

doi:10.70088/fcn0px71

Authors

Xiaoyue Liu South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China Author
Liuting Guo South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70088/fcn0px71

Keywords:

hearing impairment, fear of compassion, social anxiety, self-identity, self-esteem, special education

Abstract

This study aims to explore the influence of fear of compassion on social anxiety among students with hearing impairment, and to examine the chained mediating effect of self-identity and self-esteem in this complex psychological relationship. The primary objective is to provide a robust theoretical basis for targeted mental health interventions tailored specifically for this vulnerable demographic. A comprehensive cross-sectional survey was conducted involving a total of 118 students with hearing impairment recruited from five distinct special education schools. Data collection was systematically performed by adopting validated psychometric instruments, including the Fear of Compassion Scale, Self-Identity Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, and Interaction Anxiety Scale. Subsequent empirical analyses revealed that fear of compassion significantly and positively predicted the manifestation of social anxiety among these students. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that self-identity played a crucial independent mediating role in the pathway between fear of compassion and social anxiety. Consequently, the evidence suggests that reducing the baseline level of compassion fear serves as a critical entry point for effectively alleviating social anxiety among students with hearing disorders. Simultaneously, actively enhancing the self-identity and self-esteem levels of this specific group can successfully buffer and block the detrimental driving effect of compassion fear on their overall social anxiety, thereby promoting better psychological well-being and social integration.

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