The relationship between mobility and orientation using white cane and mental health and personality traits among individuals with visual impairment

Orientation and mobility is the most important factor in independence and social participation of people with visual impairment. The main mode of independent mobility and orientation is using white cane. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between mobility and orientation using white cane and mental health and personality traits among individuals with visual impairment in Tehran, Iran

For this purpose, a correlation design was used. In this study 41 visually impaired persons from rehabilitation centers and university students in Tehran were selected by purposive sampling. Orientation and Mobility Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI) in the form of structured and semi-structured interview were utilized. Finally, using correlation, multiple regression analysis and t and F tests data were analyzed.

Lying Scale (tend to improve your show) of EPI factors were correlated with orientation and mobility component. Also, problems in Iinterpersonal Sensitivity (feelings of inadequacy and inferiority, particularly in comparison to other people), Depression (clinical depression) and the score of Positive Symptom Total (PST) of SCL-90-R factors, were best predictors of orientation and mobility component. The differences between varying levels of employment and tunnel vision in terms of mobility and orientation component found.

The results indicated that the role of mental health and personality traits on mobility and orientation is confirmed. However, as provided by improving the conditions of employment for people with visual impairment can imagine a better performance in mobility and orientation for them