We-perspective on vision impairment: pathways between common dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction

TL;DR

This study explores how couples cope with vision impairment together and how this affects their relationship satisfaction.

Contribution

The study identifies we-ness, intimacy, and perceiving vision impairment as a shared challenge as potential mediators of relationship satisfaction.

Findings

Higher common dyadic coping is linked to greater intimacy and we-ness, which in turn increases relationship satisfaction.

Spouses' engagement in common coping leads to a perception of we-disease, which decreases their own relationship satisfaction.

Abstract

Common DC, how couples cope together with stress, may protect couples from relationship dissatisfaction in the context of vision impairment. However, the mechanisms through which common DC relate to couple satisfaction are underexplored. This study aimed to examine whether we-ness, intimacy, and perceiving vision impairment as a we-disease mediate the relationship between common dyadic coping (DC) and relationship satisfaction in the context of vision impairment.

Ninety-nine individuals with visual impairment (IVI) and their spouses completed self-report questionnaires assessing DC, relationship satisfaction, intimacy, we-ness, and we-disease. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model was performed.

Results showed that (1) higher levels of common DC were associated with higher intimacy and we-ness which, consequently, were associated with higher relationship satisfaction in both IVI and their spouses; and (2) the more IVI’ spouses engage in common DC, the more IVI perceived we-disease and, consequently, the less their spouses were satisfied with the relationship.

Couples facing vision impairment benefited from conjoint coping efforts as they seem to strengthen their sense of togetherness and intimacy. The adaptiveness of dyadic appraisals for couples’ adjustment should be further explored in view of unexpected results. Psychosocial rehabilitation sessions should include both partners and promote conjoint coping strategies to address challenges associated with vision impairment.

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