In the context of the ongoing identity-related discussion we studied the personality characteristics in deaf
and hard on-hearing students, their coping and other factors associated with deafness depending on the
students’ self-identification type. We studied 137 deaf and hard on-hearing students in different
educational situations. The results of analysis showed that the degree of hearing loss played a crucial role.
People with smaller violations, and attributing themselves to the “world of the hearing” had good
personal resources, actively used strategies, problem-solving, acceptance of responsibility, positive
revaluation, however, they were less emotional, and people with more severe loss, who identified
themselves with the deaf culture and using only sign language, lived in a specific “deaf environment” that
does not test their self-esteem. "Bicultural affiliation" was the most effective in terms of adaptation. They
were distinguished by good mental health, a wide coping repertoire connected with the experience of
living "for the deaf among the hearing and among the deaf". The lack of belonging to certain culture
(marginality) leads to personality disintegration and disadaptation: deaf and hard-of-hearing students with
marginal identification had a lower level self-esteem, worse psychological health and personal resources,
and the lowest level of extroversion, self-confidence and life satisfaction.