Research on psychological and personal aspects of albinism: A critical review

Autor: Dennis C. Harper, Noel Estrada-Hernández
Rok vydání: 2007
Předmět:
Zdroj: Rehabilitation Psychology. 52:263-271
ISSN: 1939-1544
0090-5550
Popis: Objective: The authors conducted a critical review of the research literature, examining factors associated with adaptation to the albinism condition. Research Method: Through electronic and manual searches, the authors identified research articles on albinism that covered a period of more than 20 years. Results: People with albinism were reported to experience many physical, mental/emotional, and social challenges. Data from the research literature suggest that most individuals with albinism have average cognitive abilities and achievement skills. Personal adaptation studies were mixed and indicated that many of these individuals struggle with the social impact of visible differences associated with the albinism condition. Public attitudes toward albinism reflected a general lack of information and a related degree of negativism. Conclusions: The authors conclude that available studies lack the methodological soundness to produce findings that lead to better understanding of this phenomenon. Moreover, certain contextual variables, such as culture, socioeconomic level, and severity of disability, have been overlooked and need to be incorporated in subsequent research on factors impacting the adaptation of individuals with albinism. Implications for rehabilitation research and practice are discussed.
Databáze: OpenAIRE