Stress, Coping, and Adjustment of Adventitiously Blind Male Veterans with and without Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

This study compared the coping strategies, psychological stressors, and adjustment of 40 elderly male veterans with diabetic retinopathy and 40 with vision loss from other causes. The presence of diabetes, the recent onset of vision loss, coping by escape-avoidance, blaming oneself, and the absence of planful problem solving were associated with difficulties in daily activities, a diminished sense of well-being, and symptoms of depression. The psychological symptoms were usually of mild severity.