Abstract
Abstract: :
Introduction:Changes in lifestyle and quality of life issues associated with low vision problems may be quite distressing on an individual’s emotional functioning (Pollard, 2000). However, research on the psychosocial issues and characteristics of individuals coping with low vision problems remains poorly understood. Purpose:The present study addressed this problem by examining descriptive information related to the psychological aspects of coping with low vision changes. Methods:Parrticipant Characteristics The sample included 19 male (52.8%) and 17 female (47.2%) low vision patients. Age of participants ranged from 20 to 92 years old (M = 70.86, SD = 16.84). Measures A total of 7 visual analogue scales (VASs) were used to measure perceptions of psychological reactions (anger, depression, fear, anxiety, frustration) and cognitive appraisals (intolerance and interference). Higher scores on each scale indicate greater interference, less ability to tolerate, greater depression, anxiety, frustration, anger, and/or fear. A total distress score can also be obtained. Results:Age was negatively associated with anger and overall distress. Younger age was associated with greater anger (r = –.45, p < .01) and for experiencing overall distress (r = –.36, p < .03). Interestingly, no other significant correlations between age or gender and emotional reactions (fear, anxiety, depression, and overall emotional distress were noted) were found. A multiple regression was conducted to predict emotional distress with demographic variables (age and gender) and variables associated with vision (total # of vision related problems identified, persistence on a difficult vision test in seconds, and visual acuity) and cognitive appraisals (interference and intolerance). Interestingly, interference and intolerance significantly accounted for 24% of the overall distress variance over and above demographic variables and variables associated with vision. Thus, these two cognitive appraisals are better predictors of emotional distress than visual acuity and persistence during a complex visual test or demographic information. Conclusion:The current findings highlight the need for understanding psychological factors of individuals coping with low vision problems. Implications for integrating psychology into low vision rehabilitation will be discussed.
Keywords: low vision • aging • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: risk factor assessment