scholarly journals Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-being among Visually Impaired Individuals: A Qualitative Study

Social support is an important resource which facilitates coping and raises the quality of life. This study examines how different forms of social support are perceived by the visually impaired individuals living in Turkey (positive or negative), and the impact on these individuals’ psychological well-being. This qualitative phenomenological study is conducted by semi-structured interview techniques and 21 visually impaired and volunteer (11 female, 10 male) adults over 18 years (M = 28, SD = 6,34) who live in Ankara participated in the study. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. There were 4 main themes: Centrality of the sighted world, negative social support, positive social support, and accessibility. The most frequently repeated sub themes were gathered under the main themes of negative social support and centrality of the sighted world; the majority of the participants mentioned the effect of living independently. Moreover, the lack of information in society and the negative effects of interference under the will to help are frequently mentioned. On the other hand, the sub themes of mutual support, perceiving blindness as a difference, not a deficiency were presented under the main theme of positive social support. Keywords: Visually impaired, perceived social support, psychological well-being

Author(s):  
Tatsuya Imai

Previous studies have found that the use of social networking sites (SNSs) is associated with the user's positive outcomes such as perceived social support and psychological well-being (Ellison, Steinfield, & Lampe, 2007; Nabi, Prestin, & So, 2012). To seek those positive influences, those with health issues such as physical illness or mental illness actively use SNSs (e.g., Shpigelman & Gill, 2014a; Gowen, Deschaine, Gruttadara, & Markey, 2012). The first aim of this chapter is to describe previous studies on the use of SNSs by those with health issues such as mental illnesses, HIV/AIDS, cancer, intellectual disabilities, and diabetes. The second aim is to propose a new direction of research on the use of SNSs by those with health issues: the impact of stigma on communication on SNSs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bünyamin Ates

<p class="apa">In this research, to what extent the variables of perceived social support (family, friends and special people) and assertiveness predicted the psychological well-being levels of candidate psychological counselors. The research group of this study included totally randomly selected 308 candidate psychological counselors including 174 females (56.5%) and 134 males (43.5%) studying at Erzincan University, Faculty of Education, Psychological Counseling and Guidance Department in 2015-2016 academic year. The age average of the research group was 20.84. Psychological Well-Being Scale, Voltan-Acar Assertiveness Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and Personal Information Form were used as the data collection tools in the research. The data obtained in the research were analyzed with stepwise regression analysis method as one of the multiple linear regression analyses methods. According to the research findings, the variables of assertiveness and social support perceived from family, friends and special people significantly predicted psychological well-being.</p>


2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 927-935 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Kemal Kuscu ◽  
Uzay Dural ◽  
Pιnar Önen ◽  
Yeşim Yaşa ◽  
Mete Yayla ◽  
...  

Salmand ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 144-159
Author(s):  
Majid Sadoughi ◽  
◽  
Fatemeh Hesampour ◽  

Objectives: Today, psychological care for the elderly has received increasing attention due to potential threats posed by aging, loneliness, gradual decline in physical activity, increase of chronic diseases, social isolation, and physical and mental disabilities. The positive psychology approach to mental health seeks to promote the mental health of people by identifying and developing mental abilities and competences. The present study aimed to predict psychological well-being of the elderly based on the components of positive psychology including spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support. Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive correlational study conducted on 211 elderly people aged 60-70 years (109 males and 102 females) who were selected randomly. Data collection tools were a demographic form (surveying age, gender, education, marital status, and socioeconomic status), and Paloutzian and Ellisons’ Spirituality Well-Being Scale, short form of Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scale, Emmons and Crumpler’s Gratitude to God Questionnaire, and Zimet’s Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Collected data were analyzed in SPSS software V. 22 by using descriptive (Mean and Standard Deviation), Pearson correlation test, and stepwise regression analysis. Results: Mean and Standard Deviation of different study variables were reported as follows: Psychological well-being =7.1±10.68; Spirituality =90.22±15.36; Gratitude to God =14.09±2.41; Social support from family members =21.6±4.2; Social support from friends =16.5±5.8; and Social support from significant others =20.23±5. The results of stepwise regression analysis indicated that spirituality (F1,209=62.02, P=0.001), social support from family members (F1,208=11.06, P=0.001), and gratitude to God (F1,207=4.80, P=0.001) could significantly explain 27% of the psychological well-being variance in the elderly.  Conclusion: Increased spirituality, gratitude to God, and perceived social support especially from family members can improve psychological well-being of the elderly. Hence, Strengthening and paying special attention to their spiritual needs and perceived social support as well as planning health care for them can help increase their psychological well-being. 


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