title: Personal and family stress in individuals with diabetes and vision loss.
abstract: The intrapersonal distress and the impact of diabetes and vision impairment on marital functioning were assessed. Significant degrees of intrapersonal distress were demonstrated by the Beck Depression Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Rand Mental Health Index. Family functioning as assessed by the Family Assessment Device was significantly compromised. Vision impairment was a major stressor in the spousal relationship. Of 18 subjects who had been involved in a committed relationship at the onset of vision impairment, 9 had separated. Separation occurred at a mean of 1.6 years after the vision impairment. Totally blind individuals were at greater risk for separation than those who were legally, but not totally, blind. Psychological intervention was a limited benefit. Studies are necessary to identify the appropriate timing for further interventions.
authors.affiliation: St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bernbaum
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Albert
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Duckro
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Merkel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001766:Blindness / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004243:Divorce; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation