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The Way We See It – A Qualitative Exploration of Life With Visual Impairment / KIRSTY HILL
Swansea University Author: KIRSTY HILL
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.66237
Abstract
Living with visual impairment is associated with numerous psychological challenges, including experiencing negative emotions, difficulty with social interaction, disclosing impairment to others, and the struggles of being confronted with a new identity. If visual impairment occurs during childhood,...
| Published: |
Swansea, Wales, UK
2024
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Dienes, Kimberly ; Bennett, Paul |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa66237 |
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| Abstract: |
Living with visual impairment is associated with numerous psychological challenges, including experiencing negative emotions, difficulty with social interaction, disclosing impairment to others, and the struggles of being confronted with a new identity. If visual impairment occurs during childhood, these same psychological challenges are also extended to the child’s family, particularly parents. In considering support systems for visually impaired children experiencing psychosocial challenges, qualified teachers for visually impaired children (QTVIs) are often the primary source of expertise in this regard. Building on prior empirical research, this thesis aims to generate an in-depth understanding of the complexity of living with a visual impairment, through three qualitative studies, each focusing on a specific aspect of visual impairment. Within the first study, a focused exploration of psychological wellbeing in visually impaired adults following diagnosis of sight-loss was undertaken. Findings yielded themes relating to emotional response to diagnosis, social interaction, identity perceptions, and re-building life after sight-loss. The second study was concerned with how childhood visual impairment was psychologically experienced by mothers, where findings revealed issues during the diagnosis process, impacted relationships with the child and other family members, as well as social interactions and support beyond the family system. The third study investigated the psychological experiences of QTVIs working with visually impaired children. Findings highlighted the importance of maintaining positive and supportive relationships with the child, their family, and classroom teachers. Promoting wellbeing and social development was stressed, along with rewards and challenges to the QTVI service provision. Findings from all three studies are discussed in relation to prior literature, and their implications for medical, social, and educational practise. |
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| Keywords: |
visual impairment, sight loss, disability, qualitative research, psychology, lived experience, psychological adaptation |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |
| Funders: |
Swansea University |