Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of sexuality education on gender identity, self-concept, and body image among deaf adolescents. This semi-experimental research was conducted using a pretest-posttest control group design. The statistical population included adolescents aged 15 to 18 attending the Mehr Forouzan Hearing Rehabilitation Center in Qom in the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 30 participants were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received 12 sessions of 45-minute sexuality education based on the Unesco's guidelines, delivered by teachers fluent in sign language. Meanwhile, the control group continued with their regular educational program. Data were collected using the Gender Role Identity Questionnaire (GRIQ; Shortzer et al.), the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale (PHSCS), and Fisher's Body Image Questionnaire (FBIQ). Data analysis was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS version 23. The results showed that sexual education significantly improved gender identity and body image, but had no significant effect on self-concept. Based on these findings, sexuality education can be considered an effective intervention to enhance gender identity and body image in deaf adolescents. It is recommended that such programs be integrated into special education for this population.