The relation between self-stigma and loneliness in visually impaired college students: Self-acceptance as mediator

Abstract

Background: Loneliness, a negative emotion that is common in college students, may cause psychological disorders and behavioral issues. Particularly vulnerable are visually impaired college students, who are at an increased risk of loneliness.

Objectives: This study was aimed at explaining the current situation of loneliness among visually impaired college students as well as its influencing factors and exploring the intermediary role of self-acceptance between self-stigma and loneliness.

Method: Seventy-eight college students with visual impairment completed a series of self-report questionnaires, including the Self-Stigma of Disabled Scale (SSDS), the Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ), and the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS in SPSS.

Results: Participants' mean loneliness score was 44.97 ± 9.35. Two survey factors were significantly associated with loneliness: visual impairment status and relationship with parents (p < 0.05). When controlling for extent of visual damage and relationship with parents, self-stigma showed a significant predictive effect on loneliness (B = 0.37, t = 4.1023, p < 0.01).

Conclusions: In China, visually impaired students suffer from a high level of loneliness, and self-acceptance plays a central role in connecting their self-stigma and loneliness.

Keywords: Loneliness; Mental health; Self-acceptance; Self-stigma; Visual impairment.