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.