Deaf Individuals' Meaning in the Experience of Managing Anger Through the Maternal Reflective Method

Abstract

This study examines the meanings Deaf individuals construct in their experiences of managing anger through the Maternal Reflective Method. This topic is important because Deaf individuals often face communication barriers that influence emotional regulation, particularly anger, yet counseling approaches that integrate language development and emotional reflection remain limited. This study assumes that reflective and language-based learning experiences contribute positively to emotional awareness and anger management among Deaf individuals. Using a qualitative exploratory design, four Deaf participants with long-term experience in the Maternal Reflective Method were involved. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that anger emerges mainly from experiences of misunderstanding, social exclusion, and communication difficulties. The Maternal Reflective Method helps participants recognize emotional triggers, reflect on their feelings, and reconstruct anger as an emotion that can be understood and managed adaptively. These results highlight the significance of reflective counseling approaches that are sensitive to language and communication needs in supporting emotional regulation among Deaf individuals.