Mental Health among Children and Young Adults with Visual Impairments: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to summarize current scientific knowledge relating to the occurrence of mood disorders among children with visual impairments. Methods A systematic review was conducted of articles published between January 1998 and July 2016, inclusive. A total of 17 publications met the inclusion criteria, of which 15 reported studies with a cross-sectional design. The 17 publications represent 13 countries. Results The majority of the studies suggested that children and young adults with visual impairments had more emotional problems than did their sighted peers. In addition, girls with visual impairments more often experienced serious symptoms of depression and anxiety than did boys with visual impairments, a finding that was in line with results for the general population. Two studies with a longitudinal design suggested that emotional problems among children and young adults with visual impairments might lessen over time. Discussion Due to the different research purposes, study designs, definitions of visual impairment, participants’ age ranges, cultures, countries, small sample sizes, measurements, and analyses of mental health, the overall results of the reviewed studies were inconsistent. To give children the best opportunities for good mental health, there is a need for more knowledge and for further longitudinal and randomized studies of high quality. Implications for practitioners Social support, friendship, and independence in mobility seem to be important for enhancing the mental health of all children. Children with earlier onset and more severe visual impairments may be less likely to experience a reduction in their mental health problems over time.

Social support for students with visual impairments in educational institutions: An integrative literature review

“…In addition, research shows that they may present problem behaviours and poorer social skills than their sighted classmates (Ozkubat & Ozdemir, 2015), which may result in social isolation (Huurre et al, 1999). There is also evidence that they are at greater risk of emotional difficulties: findings from a systematic literature review suggest that children and adolescents with visual impairments present with more emotional problems, namely anxiety, fear, and/or and depression (Augestad, 2017). Research evidence indicates that these problems may stem from a number of factors, such as the neurological impairments associated with their vision, limited participation in leisure-time activities, increased dependency on others, and increased parental control (Augestad, 2017;Pinquart & Pfeiffer, 2014).…”

“…There is also evidence that they are at greater risk of emotional difficulties: findings from a systematic literature review suggest that children and adolescents with visual impairments present with more emotional problems, namely anxiety, fear, and/or and depression (Augestad, 2017). Research evidence indicates that these problems may stem from a number of factors, such as the neurological impairments associated with their vision, limited participation in leisure-time activities, increased dependency on others, and increased parental control (Augestad, 2017;Pinquart & Pfeiffer, 2014). Adolescents with visual impairments seem to be bullied more often by their sighted peers in the school environment (Rosemblum, 2000) and demonstrate lower self-esteem compared with the latter (Halder & Datta, 2012).…”

Regional trends and associated factors of childhood visual impairment: a case study in Shandong province, China

“…Compared with normal sight children, the overall quality of life (QoL) of visual impaired children is relatively lower [6].This is not only manifested in physical health and psychological aspects (e.g. individual nutritional status [7] and depression [8]), but also in social relations and living environment [9], and its impact will be lifelong. A recent study by Jones, N and other scholars found that visual impairment will affect the corresponding life skills (e.g.…”

Regional Trends and Associated Factors of Childhood Visual Impairment: A Case Study in Shandong Province, China

“…6 This is not only manifested in physical health and psychological aspects (e.g. individual nutritional status 7 and depression 8 ), but also in social relations and living environment, 9 and its impact will be lifelong. A recent study by Jones, N and other scholars found that visual impairment will affect the corresponding life skills (e.g.…”