TY - JOUR

T1 - What couples say about living and coping with sensory loss

T2 - a qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses

AU - Mamali, Freideriki Carmen

AU - Lehane, Christine M

AU - Wittich, Walter

AU - Martiniello, Natalina

AU - Dammeyer, Jesper

PY - 2022

Y1 - 2022

N2 - The current study reports the results of open-ended questions from a follow-up survey of adults with sensory loss and their spouses who had previously taken part in an online study. In total, 111 participants completed the survey (72 adults with a sensory loss and 39 spouses). Open-ended questions asked about the overall experience of living with sensory loss, sensory loss-related challenges, and support and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis was used to identify dominant themes in participants' responses. Three core themes capturing their overall experience emerged: (1) sensory loss-related challenges, (2) support and coping, and (3) adjustment and readjustment. Sensory loss was characterized as a challenging experience, causing communication and emotional disturbances. Coping strategies reported by both partners included the use of assistive technology, positive re-appraisal, acceptance and/or denial of the loss, while support strategies were mostly derived from the comments of spouses (for AWSLs), family members and peer networks (for both partners). Finally, respondents described sensory loss as an adventurous learning experience. Our findings underscore the significance of considering sensory loss from a social relational/family perspective and highlight the importance of addressing the needs of both adults with sensory loss and their partners in treatment and rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Study highlights the need to consider sensory loss from a relational/family perspective. Healthcare professionals should try to increase the involvement of significant others and close family members (e.g., spouses, parents, children) into the rehabilitation process. Greater emphasis should be placed on exploring and reinforcing positive experiences and attitudes associated with sensory loss during counselling/rehabilitation sessions. Improved education about sensory loss for both the general public and health care professionals could minimize the adverse outcomes associated with sensory loss.

AB - The current study reports the results of open-ended questions from a follow-up survey of adults with sensory loss and their spouses who had previously taken part in an online study. In total, 111 participants completed the survey (72 adults with a sensory loss and 39 spouses). Open-ended questions asked about the overall experience of living with sensory loss, sensory loss-related challenges, and support and coping mechanisms. Thematic analysis was used to identify dominant themes in participants' responses. Three core themes capturing their overall experience emerged: (1) sensory loss-related challenges, (2) support and coping, and (3) adjustment and readjustment. Sensory loss was characterized as a challenging experience, causing communication and emotional disturbances. Coping strategies reported by both partners included the use of assistive technology, positive re-appraisal, acceptance and/or denial of the loss, while support strategies were mostly derived from the comments of spouses (for AWSLs), family members and peer networks (for both partners). Finally, respondents described sensory loss as an adventurous learning experience. Our findings underscore the significance of considering sensory loss from a social relational/family perspective and highlight the importance of addressing the needs of both adults with sensory loss and their partners in treatment and rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Study highlights the need to consider sensory loss from a relational/family perspective. Healthcare professionals should try to increase the involvement of significant others and close family members (e.g., spouses, parents, children) into the rehabilitation process. Greater emphasis should be placed on exploring and reinforcing positive experiences and attitudes associated with sensory loss during counselling/rehabilitation sessions. Improved education about sensory loss for both the general public and health care professionals could minimize the adverse outcomes associated with sensory loss.

U2 - 10.1080/09638288.2020.1850889

DO - 10.1080/09638288.2020.1850889

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 33272065

VL - 44

SP - 2784

EP - 2805

JO - Disability and Rehabilitation

JF - Disability and Rehabilitation

SN - 0963-8288

IS - 12

ER -