Psychological Factors Associated With Visual Impairment

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, the authors investigated visual impairment and its associated psychological factors, with emphasis on depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, and perceived social support. Methods: A mixed-method approach was used by integrating a focus group discussion and a cross-sectional survey. The study was conducted with 444 students comprising 218 students who are visually impaired and 226 sighted peers. Validated inventories for measuring the various psychological factors were used among students who are visually impaired and their sighted peers after which comparison of scores between visually impaired students and their sighted peers were made. Results: The findings of the study showed significantly lower depression and anxiety scores among students who are visually impaired. Students who are visually impaired also scored higher on total perceived social support than their sighted peers. Independent of age, visual impairment significantly predicted anxiety and perceived social support. Despite the results of the quantitative analysis, the focus group discussion revealed that students who are visually impaired face several challenges which make them depressed, anxious, and stressed. Discussion: Visual impairment was associated with and significantly predicted anxiety and perceived social support. Implication for Practitioners: The results of this study give a justification for eye care practitioners to consider referring people who are visually impaired for psychological assessment and possible management after addressing their visual needs.