Exploring Psychosocial Issues Experienced by Young Adults with Amblyopia. A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore psychosocial and mental health problems experienced by young adults with amblyopia.

Methodology: In this qualitative study phenomenological approach was used. Six Participants having amblyopia were selected by purposive sampling technique with the age range of 18 to 25. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect the information which was then analyzed by interpretive phenomenological Analysis.

Results: Analysis revealed the combination of psychosocial and mental health problems experienced by young adults with amblyopia in the form of six key themes which were rejection, umbrage, adjustment issues, inferiority complex, anxiety, and depression.

Conclusion:  Being amblyopic, affects their appearance due to which they have to face rejection in different aspects of their life. The noticeable impact of rejection is inferiority complex. When they feel that others are not showing respect to them this makes them upset or annoyed. There is a need to further explore problems faced by amblyopic people. Health care providers and psychologists should understand the psychosocial and mental health issues of these people and the affected people should be provided appropriate psychoeducation and psychological and social support.