A aceitação e o enfrentamento da cegueira na idade adulta.

Abstract

The goal of this study was to analyze the factors which influence the process of accepting and coping with blindness for those who have lost their eyesight through accident or disease in adulthood. Twenty individuals (14 men and 6 women) between the ages of 24 to 64. Ordinary materials such as blank paper and pencil were used for recording scripted interviews and analysis of interview transcripts. The interviews were held in a room in the Rehabilitation Section at the Benjamin Constant Institute in Rio de Janeiro. A semistructured interview was utilized to collect data and allow the elaboration of themes and categories enabling the understanding of which factors influenced the process of accepting and coping with the loss of eyesight in adulthood. The quantitative analysis was done by recording the frequency of elements which the participants did or did not present within each category. The qualitative analysis considered the variations in participant responses within the respective categories. The results presented evidence that the factors which favor the acceptance of and abilities to cope with blindness acquired in adulthood were: the family, the impact of blindness on their lives, the moment of loss, social life, the activities which were interrupted by the loss, support, religion, the cause (whether accident or illness), feelings and their plans for the future. Analysis of the data indicated that the process of accepting and coping with the disability developed in a gradual manner and support, whether from family or professionals, contributed to the affected person's adjustment in society. For this reason, it was concluded that the acceptance and coping with blindness acquired in adulthood can not be described in a homogeneous form. Each individual presented their own characteristics which made them react differently to innumerous life situations.