Articles | Open Access |

RESILIENCE AMONG BLIND ADOLESCENTS: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS

Shemsedien Kidane , Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study investigates the resilience of blind adolescents, focusing on the factors that contribute to their ability to adapt and thrive despite challenges. Resilience, often described as the capacity to recover from difficulties, is particularly vital for individuals facing unique life circumstances, such as blindness. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess the levels of resilience among blind adolescents in various educational and social settings. The findings reveal that supportive family environments, access to specialized education, and strong social networks are key factors that enhance resilience in this population. Additionally, the study identifies significant differences in resilience levels based on gender, age, and socioeconomic status. By highlighting the strategies and coping mechanisms employed by these adolescents, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of their experiences and suggests practical recommendations for educators, policymakers, and caregivers to foster resilience in blind adolescents. The implications of this study underscore the need for tailored support systems that recognize and nurture the strengths of blind adolescents, ultimately promoting their well-being and development.

Keywords

Resilience, blind adolescents, adaptive capacity

References

Berhane, Y., Alemayehu, W., & Abebe, B. (2006). National survey on blindness, low vision and trachoma in Ethiopia. Retrieved from http://www.pbunion.org/Countriessurveyresults/Ethiopia/Ethiopian_National_Blindness_and_trachoma_survey.pdf.[12 May 2017].

Benner, A., D., & Mistry, R., S. (2007). Congruence of mother and teacher educational expectations and low-income youth’s academic competence. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99, 140 - 53.

Bonanno, G., A. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychology, 59(1), 20- 28.

Bonanno, G. A., Galea, S., Bucciarelli, A., & Vlahov, D. (2007). What predicts psychological resilience after disaster? The role of demographics, resources, and life stress. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 75, 671- 682.

Brink, P., J., & Wood, M., J. (1998). Advanced design in nursing research. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

Clarke, H., & McKay, S. (2008). Exploring disability, family formation and break-up: reviewing the evidence. Birmingham: Crown.

Dahlbeck, D., & Lightsey, O. (2008). Generalized self-efficacy, coping and self-esteem as predictors of psychological adjustment among children with disabilities or chronic illnesses. Children’s Health Care, 37, 293-315.

Connor, K. M., & Davidson, J. R. T. (2003). Development of a new resilience scale: the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depression and Anxiety, 18(2), 76–82.

Donnon & Hammond (2007). A psychometric assessment of the self-reported youth resiliency: Assessing developmental strengths questionnaire. Psychol Rep., 100, 963-78.

Ellis, K., M. (2003). Breakdown is built into it: a politics of resilience in a disabling world. Media and Culture Journal,16, 5. Retrieved from from http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/37281/1/Breakdown.pdf [12 December 2017].

FDRE (1987). Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Constitution. Bahir Dar: EMPDA.

Friburg, O., Barlang, D., Martinussen, M., Rosenvinge, J. (2005). Resilience predicting psychiatric symptoms: a prospective study of protective resources and their role in adjustment to stressful life events. International Journal of Psychiatry, 14, 29-42.

Glenda, M., Elaine, C., & Anita, B. (2010).The treasure in leisure activities: Fostering resilience in young persons who are blind. Journal of Visual Impairment, 104(7), 419-430.

Goins, R., T., Gregg, J., J. & Fiske, A. (2013). Psychometric properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale with older American Indians: the native elder care study. Resilience Aging, 35(2), 123-143.

Ürey, M. & Güler, M. (2018). A qualitative study on how students with visual impairments perceive environmental issues. Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities, 21(1), 15-28.

Article Statistics

Copyright License

Download Citations

How to Cite

Shemsedien Kidane. (2024). RESILIENCE AMONG BLIND ADOLESCENTS: AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS. European International Journal of Pedagogics, 4(09), 6–12. Retrieved from https://eipublication.com/index.php/eijp/article/view/2039