Mental health and related factors among massage practitioners with visual impairment

The purpose of this study was to explore the mental health conditions and related factors among 155 visually impaired massage practitioners chosen from alumni lists of ten schools for the visually impaired in Japan. It was thought massage practitioners with visual impairment did not suffer burnout and depression because their mean scores indicated "no problem". However, their mean score for anxiety was high compared with previous studies. Gender and level of education showed no significant differences on anxiety and depression. Higher scores for anxiety and depression correlated inversely with age. Scores of depersonalization, anxiety, and depression were significantly higher and those of personal accomplishment lower for unmarried subjects compared to those who were married. Scores of emotional exhaustion, anxiety, and depression were significantly higher in persons who were able to read written text compared to those who read Braille only. Massage practitioners with visual impairment working at hospitals, medical clinics, and nursing homes revealed significantly higher daily client turnover, emotional exhaustion, and depersonalization compared to those who established their own massage clinics. It was thought that massage practitioners who were young and unmarried, had slight visual impairment, high client turnover, hectic relationships between clients, little autonomy at work, and worked at medical-related workplaces were prone to burnout. It is suggested that this group of massage practitioner requires periodic education about stress management techniques and more social support.