The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in stress levels and coping behaviors between the visual handicapped and general teenagers. In addition, this study also tested differences in stress levels and coping behaviors between the blinded and the low visual handicapped. Based on the responses of 502 students who were in special and secondary schools, this study tested differences in two dependent variables (i.e., stress levels and coping behaviors).
The major findings of this study could be summarized as follows:
First, the visual handicapped reported higher stress levels in physical domain than did general teenagers. In general, the stress levels of female students were higher than those of male students. The stress levels of general female students were high in the domain of friend and school. Male students with visual handicap showed higher stress levels in the domain of friend and school than did general male students.
Second, in general, the blinded reported higher stress levels than did the low visual handicapped.
Third, there were differences in coping behaviors between the visual handicapped and general teenager, but there were not between the blinded and the low visual handicapped.
These findings suggested that teachers would have to understand stress levels and coping strategies of the visual handicapped, in planning and designing the educational program. Furthermore, it is necessary to help the visual handicapped have emotional stability in school and social environment.