The Mediating Role of Positive Affect in the Relationship between a Sense of Meaning and Life Satisfaction in Individuals with Severe Visual Impairment (VI)

Year 2024, Volume: 6 Issue: 3, 204 - 212, 25.09.2024

Alper Ateş , Pınar Dursun Karslı , Ahu Altınel

https://doi.org/10.35365/ctjpp.24.3.01

Abstract

Visual impairment (VI), a severe reduction in visual sensitivity, has been linked to poorer well-being markers. Despite the focus on well-being in different areas, it is often unclear what well-being means, and very limited studies have existed in the context of VI, particularly on the meaning of life dimensions. To fulfill this gap, in this study, we aimed to examine the relationships among meaning in life dimensions (presence of meaning and search for meaning), life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, and to find out the mediator role of positive affect in the relationship between life satisfaction and presence of meaning in life. Thus, 388 individuals with VI (120 female and 268 male) with a mean age of 35.92 (SD = 11.40) participated in this study. The Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale were administered to all the participants. As expected, all the study variables -the presence and search for meaning, positive and negative affect, and life satisfaction- were significantly correlated with each other. The mediation test analysis demonstrated that positive affect partially mediated the relationship between a sense of meaning and life satisfaction, suggesting that individuals with IV experiencing a sense of meaning are more likely to feel positive, which, in turn, become more satisfied with their lives. Well-being has become a key outcome of support and services for individuals with VI. Thus, clinicians can focus on meaningful activities, rendering positive mood states, which can be vital in preventing various psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety, and maintaining a satisfied life.

Keywords

Visual impairment, well-being, subjective well-being, meaning in life, presence of meaning

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