Associations between adult attachment and vision-related quality of life in visually impaired individuals

PURPOSE An attachment theory framework approach may allow insight into how social and psychosocial factors interact to impact vision-related quality of life (QoL). In this pilot study, we investigated potential associations between adult attachment style and visual function QoL of visually impaired individuals. METHODS We recruited 38 visually impaired individuals (15 females, 23 males; 51.8 +/- 16.0 years). Visual function measures included distance and near visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity. All participants completed: the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 (NEI-VFQ 25) and the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures questionnaire. RESULTS Presenting conditions included inherited retinal dystrophy (n = 10), nystagmus (n = 9), glaucoma (n = 7) and other eye conditions (n = 12). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the NEI-VFQ-25 composite score (45.5 +/- 14.7) and attachment-related anxiety (r = -0.352, p = 0.033). The latter correlation still held when controlling for participants' level of vision (r = -0.352, p = 0.035). Despite the range of conditions and wide age range, these were not significantly correlated with any variable of interest in the current study. CONCLUSION Attachment-related anxiety ought to be taken into account when managing a visually impaired individual. Attachment-based approaches could be used to improve access to support services for visually impaired individuals, as well as self-management of their condition.