Perspectives of Adolescents with Visual Impairments on Social Support from Their Parents

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated the perceptions of 12 adolescents with visual impairments on the social support they received from their parents. Data were generated from in-depth interviews, field notes, a reflexive journal, informal observations, and time lines of life events. Emerging themes illustrated processes by which participants received emotional, informational, and tangible support. The implications for the training of parents, rehabilitation counselors, and educators are provided.

Clarification of Social Support

“…Social support is an interpersonal process that is context specific (Coffman & Ray, 1999, 2002; Lackner, Goldenberg, Arrizza, & Tjosvold, 1994; Olsson, 1997; Rose, 1997) and involves the exchange of information. Information as a means to an end consists of facts, advice (Arnault, 2002; Chang & Schaller, 2000; Jirojwong et al, 1999; Laakso & Paunonen‐Ilmonen, 2002; Sandstrom, 1996), words of reassurance (Coffman & Ray, 2002; Michael & Jenkins, 2001; Sandstrom, 1996), positive affirmation (Coffman & Ray, 1999, 2002; Gilliland & Bush, 2001; Gurowka & Lightman, 1995; Simich et al, 2003), empathy (Coffman & Ray, 1999, 2002; Norbeck et al, 1991; Sandstrom, 1996; Whittemore, Rankin, Callahan, Leder, & Carroll, 2000), or similar expressions of support. Although verbal exchange of information is common, social support can also be shared nonverbally through flowers, cards (Gurowka & Lightman, 1995), eye movements, facial expressions (Makabe & Hull, 2000; Neufeld & Harrison 1995), or simply being present (Bolla et al, 1996; Bricker & Fleischer, 1993; Chan et al, 2001; Makabe & Hull, 2000; Rose, 1997).…”

“…Social support is synchronously and asynchronously (Neufeld & Harrison, 1995; Prudhoe & Peters, 1995) negotiated (Lackner et al, 1994); as such it is dynamic and ongoing. Support providers are thought to be reliably available and willing to provide support during challenging times (Chang & Schaller, 2000; Coffman & Ray, 1999, 2002; Duffy, 1989; Gurowka & Lightman, 1995; Hupcey, 2001).…”

“…Instrumental support also involves providing services such as transportation (Coffman & Ray, 1999, 2002; DeJoseph et al, 1996; Duffy, 1989; Gurowka & Lightman, 1995; Hildingh, Fridlund, & Segesten, 1995; Jankowski et al, 1996), physical care (Gilliland & Bush, 2001; Jankowski et al, 1996; Makabe & Hull, 2000; Norbeck, Chaftez, Skokol‐Wilson, & Weiss, 1991; Stewart, Ritchie, McGrath, Thompson, & Bruce, 1994), and assistance with household tasks (Green et al, 2002; Gurowka & Lightman, 1995; Makabe & Hull, 2000; Norbeck et al, 1991). Instrumental support also can occur in the form of providing money (Chan et al, 2001; Coffman & Ray, 1999; Duffy, 1989; Jankowski et al, 1996; Norbeck et al, 1991) or shelter (Chang & Schaller, 2000; DeJoseph et al, 1996; Duffy, 1989; Hudson & Morris, 1994).…”

Social Support, Social Networks, and Happiness of Individuals With Visual Impairments

“…Negative social support may take the form of help that is offered inappropriately (Sarason et al, 1987), unwillingly, or unnecessarily. Apart from the obvious negative forms of behavior such as criticism, anger, and hostility (Ruehlman & Karoly, 1991), negative social support may also manifest as insensitivity, overprotection (Chang & Schaller, 2000;Cimarolli & Boerner, 2005), and underestimating, or overrating of the person's capabilities. Negative social support has been shown to have a negative impact on the well-being of individuals with visual impairments.…”

Pain Management as Triadic Interaction: Shifting Alliances in Nurse-Patient-Family-Member Communication

“…Advocates are traditionally conceived of in a professional sense, having something that the ''client'' lacks, such as training, education, certification, or experience. Furthermore, providers of social support are thought to serve as advocates in part by empowering recipients to act on their own behalf (Chafey et al, 1998;Coffman & Ray, 1999;Whittemore et al, 2000) and to maintain control over their situation (Chang & Schaller, 2000;Coffman & Ray, 1999). Advocacy, then, by its very nature, is inherently a triadic interaction facilitating the natural formation of an alliance between the family member and the patient in opposition to the nurse.…”