The Feeling of Loneliness among People with Visual Impairments: Structure and Psychosocial Correlates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/SPI.2026.1.004Keywords
feeling of loneliness, social support, basic hope, self-efficacy, people with low visonAbstract
The issue of loneliness and its correlates has been explored in various research groups, including people with visual impairments. However, not all correlates are sufficiently understood. The aim of this study is to characterize the sense of loneliness among people with low vision in the context of its structure and psychosocial determinants. Based on the literature, these determinants include social support, basic hope, and self-efficacy. The study included 89 adults with low vision. Standardized research tools were used: the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the National Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ), the Basic Hope Inventory (BHI-12), and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES).
The analysis revealed that participants with low vision experienced loneliness to some extent. While detailed results indicate social connectedness and a moderate sense of belonging, experiences of abandonment, rejection, and isolation cannot be ignored. Respondents with low vision rely most on instrumental support, followed by emotional and affirmative support. They demonstrate similar levels of basic hope and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study confirms the predictive role of the psychosocial factors considered, i.e., social support, basic hope, and self-efficacy, which are significant in shaping the sense of loneliness among individuals with low vision. In light of these results, attention should be paid to removing barriers that hinder their participation in social life and to strengthening their psychosocial resources.
The issue of loneliness and its correlates has been explored in various research groups, including people with visual impairments. However, not all correlates are sufficiently understood. The aim of this study is to characterize the sense of loneliness among people with low vision in the context of its structure and psychosocial determinants. Based on the literature, these determinants include social support, basic hope, and self-efficacy. The study included 89 adults with low vision. Standardized research tools were used: the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the National Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ), the Basic Hope Inventory (BHI-12), and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES).
The analysis revealed that participants with low vision experienced loneliness to some extent. While detailed results indicate social connectedness and a moderate sense of belonging, experiences of abandonment, rejection, and isolation cannot be ignored. Respondents with low vision rely most on instrumental support, followed by emotional and affirmative support. They demonstrate similar levels of basic hope and self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study confirms the predictive role of the psychosocial factors considered, i.e., social support, basic hope, and self-efficacy, which are significant in shaping the sense of loneliness among individuals with low vision. In light of these results, attention should be paid to removing barriers that hinder their participation in social life and to strengthening their psychosocial resources.
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