Frontier in Medical & Health Research
BEYOND SIGHT: UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PERCEPTIONS OF BLINDNESS AMONG SIGHTED INDIVIDUALS
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Keywords

Blindness, Disability Awareness, Social Inclusion, Knowledge, Perception, Equity

How to Cite

BEYOND SIGHT: UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL PERCEPTIONS OF BLINDNESS AMONG SIGHTED INDIVIDUALS . (2026). Frontier in Medical and Health Research, 4(6), 311-319. https://fmhr.net/index.php/fmhr/article/view/3062

Abstract

Blindness is often understood as a medical condition, yet its social meaning is largely shaped by how society perceives and interacts with individuals who are blind. This study explored the relationship between foundational knowledge about blindness and the social comfort and equitable treatment extended toward blind individuals by sighted members of society. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 215 sighted participants aged 18–60 years. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between knowledge of blindness and social comfort, suggesting that increased understanding contributes to more inclusive and respectful attitudes. Interestingly, the proposed psychological moderator did not significantly influence this relationship, indicating that knowledge itself remains a stable predictor of positive social perceptions. The findings highlight the importance of awareness, education, and meaningful social engagement in reducing stigma and fostering inclusion.

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