Abstract
Purpose :
An attachment theory framework approach may allow insight as to how social and psychological factors interact to impact vision related quality of life (QoL). In this pilot study we investigated potential associations between adult attachment style and visual function QoL of visually impaired individuals.
Methods :
We recruited 38 visually impaired individuals (15 females, 23 males; 51.8±16.0 years). Visual function measures included distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. All participants completed the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ 25) and Experiences in Close Relationships–Relationships Structures questionnaire.
Results :
Presenting conditions were: inherited retinal dystrophy (n=10), nystagmus (n=9), glaucoma (n=7), other ocular conditions (n=12). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score (45.5±14.7) and attachment-related anxiety (r=-0.352, p=0.033). The latter correlation still held when controlling for participants' level of vision (r=-0.352, p=0.035). Despite the range of conditions and wide age range, these were not significantly correlated with any variable of interest in the current study.
Conclusions :
Attachment-related anxiety ought to be taken into account when managing a visually impaired individual. Attachment-based approaches could be used to improve access to support services for visually impaired individuals, as well as self-management of their condition.
This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.