Loneliness in Sight: Dimensions of Loneliness Among Adults with Visual Impairment

Why are we doing in this study?

Loneliness is a major problem in the Netherlands and has risen sharply over the past ten years. In 2022, half of all adults reported feeling lonely, of whom 34 % felt moderately lonely and 14 % felt severely lonely. Previous studies (2005 and 2011) among older adults with a visual impairment found that half of the target group experienced high levels of loneliness. Loneliness itself can be divided into three forms: social, emotional, and existential. Little is known, however, about how these different forms manifest in the broader population of adults with visual impairment. By gaining these insights, we aim to reduce feelings of loneliness and improve the overall well-being of visually impaired adults.

Objectives

1. Determine the prevalence of social, emotional, and existential loneliness in adults with visual impairment.

2. Identify which factors are associated with social, emotional, and existential loneliness in this population.

3. Gain insight into how adults with visual impairment experience social, emotional, and existential loneliness and its correlates.

4. Map existing interventions for social, emotional, and/or existential loneliness and assess which may offer added value for adults with visual impairment.

Methods

• Surveys: Digital questionnaires will be administered to n=300 adults with visual impairment to collect quantitative data on loneliness.

• Interviews: Semi-structured interviews with 15–20 participants will explore lived experiences in depth.

• Literature review: We will compile and evaluate existing interventions targeting the various forms of loneliness.

More information
Further details about this study can be found on the Robert Coppes Foundation website. Eenzaamheid in zicht | Robert Coppes Stichting