The relationship among frequency and type of internet use, perceived social support, and sense of well-being in individuals with visual impairments.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the relationship among amount and type of internet use and perceived social support and subjective well-being in persons with visual impairments.


METHODS
One hundred seventy-five participants were recruited through a letter sent out over 46 national and state listservs for persons with visual impairments and blindness. The mean age of participants was 46.7 years (SD = 13.3), and 50.9% were women. The participants completed a survey containing a demographic questionnaire, an internet use questionnaire, the personal resources questionnaire - 2000 (PRQ-2000), and the sense of well-being inventory (SWBI).


RESULTS
Frequency and type of internet use was not significantly related to perceived social support in persons with visual impairments. There was a marginally significant positive association between internet use and overall sense of well-being. Specifically, online chat had a positive association with social support and well-being. Disability-related information seeking and participation in online support groups were negatively associated with well-being.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the mixed results of this study, the internet has potential practical implications for increasing the independence and social connectedness in persons with visual impairments.
Smedema
Susan Miller
SM
Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA. smiller@fsu.edu
McKenzie
Amy R
AR
D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000523:psychology*