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  • Title: The relationship among frequency and type of internet use, perceived social support, and sense of well-being in individuals with visual impairments.
    Author: Smedema SM, McKenzie AR.
    Journal: Disabil Rehabil; 2010; 32(4):317-25. PubMed ID: 20055570.
    Abstract:
    PURPOSE: To determine the relationship among amount and type of internet use and perceived social support and subjective well-being in persons with visual impairments. METHOD: One hundred seventy-five participants were recruited through a letter sent out over 46 national and state listservs for persons with visual impairments and blindness. The mean age of participants was 46.7 years (SD = 13.3), and 50.9% were women. The participants completed a survey containing a demographic questionnaire, an internet use questionnaire, the personal resources questionnaire - 2000 (PRQ-2000), and the sense of well-being inventory (SWBI). RESULTS: Frequency and type of internet use was not significantly related to perceived social support in persons with visual impairments. There was a marginally significant positive association between internet use and overall sense of well-being. Specifically, online chat had a positive association with social support and well-being. Disability-related information seeking and participation in online support groups were negatively associated with well-being. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the mixed results of this study, the internet has potential practical implications for increasing the independence and social connectedness in persons with visual impairments.
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