Stress constellations and coping styles of older adults with age-related visual impairment

Narrative data from two earlier studies of adaptation to age-related visual impairment were examined for constellations of stressors and coping styles. In the course of previous qualitative analyses, the researchers identified stress and coping codes according to behavioral, psychological, and social domains using a grounded theory approach. In the present study, these qualitative data were extracted into a quantitative format and subjected to cluster analysis to better understand stress constellations and coping styles in this population. The analysis yielded five constellation groups: stoics, complainers, taciturns, sentimentalists, and articulates. Cluster analysis of self-reported coping styles yielded five groups that included mavericks, autonomous, pragmatists, hermits, and nonchalants. Across groups, there was a pattern of limited efforts to obtain vision rehabilitation services for instrumental needs, along with low acceptance of vision loss and the desire to strengthen personal resources. Implications for practice and research are discussed.