What aspect of identity does attitudinal deafness primarily influence?

Attitudinal deafness is primarily related to the impact of societal attitudes and perceptions on the identity of deaf individuals. It reflects how these attitudes can affect one’s sense of belonging and cultural engagement within the Deaf community. When individuals embrace their deafness positively and see it as part of their identity, they are more likely to engage with Deaf culture and connect with others who share similar experiences. This sense of belonging can significantly enhance their emotional and social well-being.

On the other hand, while aspects like academic success and achievement, physical health and wellness, and communication preferences and styles are important, they are not the primary focus of attitudinal deafness. This concept centers more on the psychological and sociocultural dimensions of being deaf rather than purely on academic or health-related factors. Therefore, understanding attitudinal deafness as a core influence on cultural engagement is essential for recognizing how identity is shaped within the context of deafness.