The psychosocial impact of and access to mental health care for individuals with visual impairments

Title

The psychosocial impact of and access to mental health care for individuals with visual impairments

Creator

Goturu, Srinidhi; Chander R, Jagadesh

Description

Blindness and Visual Impairment is one of the first recognized disabilities out of the 21 disabilities delineated by the Rights for Persons with Disabilities Act. Despite its recognition, a large research gap was identified regarding access to mental health care in India. Purpose: Further, the distinction between impairment and disability characterized by differentiating the medical impact and psychosocial impact was not widely explored in existing literature. Methods and materials: This qualitative phenomenological research explored the lived experiences of 11 adults with visual impairments in India, examining psychosocial challenges and mental healthcare access. Results: Four Key themes were derived with the use of the Braun and Clarke model of thematic analysisImpact of Visual Impairment, Coping Strategies, Perceived Support and Access to Mental Healthcare. Conclusion: The findings revealed unique experiences and influences on wellbeing and daily functioning as well as the role stigma plays in perpetuating contemporary disability rhetoric. The study emphasizes the need for tailored policies and interventions to address the psychosocial and mental healthcare challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source

Disability and Rehabilitation;

Date

01-01-2025

Publisher

Taylor and Francis Ltd.

Subject

Access; attitudes; awareness; stigma; well-being

Coverage

Goturu S., Psychology (Clinical), Christ University, Bengaluru, India; Chander R J., Psychology (Clinical), Christ University, Bengaluru, India

Rights

All Open Access; Green Open Access

Relation

ISSN: 9638288; CODEN: DREHE

Format

online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2025.2605624

https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105026691648?origin=resultslist