Self-Esteem, Family Satisfaction, and Cognitive Distortion of Young People With Visual Impairments in the Philippines: A Mixed-Methods Study

Introduction

This explanatory sequential study explored the relationship between self-esteem, family satisfaction, and cognitive distortion, and how it was experienced by young people with visual impairments in the Philippines. Methods: This study utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods for data collection, analysis, and interpretation. Quantitative data were collected from 62 participants through survey questionnaires, while 5 respondents were purposively selected for the qualitative phase based on specific inclusion criteria. Results: Quantitative analysis showed a significant negative correlation between self-esteem and cognitive distortion (r = -.40, p = .01). Family satisfaction, however, was not significantly related to self-esteem (r = .12, p = .40). Qualitative findings revealed that low self-esteem was linked to self-critical evaluations and frustrations in self-development, while low family satisfaction was tied to challenges in managing family conflicts and feelings of emotional neglect. High cognitive distortion was associated with mental filter ruminations. Discussion: The moderate negative correlation between self-esteem and cognitive distortion suggests that higher self-esteem aligns with lower cognitive distortion. The qualitative findings explained that low self-esteem was due to their dismissive evaluation of the self and frustrations with self-development, closely tied to mental filter ruminations. The lack of association between family satisfaction and self-esteem indicates that other family and social dynamics may influence self-esteem. Qualitative themes suggest that having low family satisfaction stemmed from their experiences such as handling family conflicts, managing family pressures, and feelings of emotional neglect. Implications for Practitioners : Teachers, mental health professionals, and other allied healthcare providers may focus the support programs for young people with visual impairments on fostering healthier self-perceptions and challenging unbalanced thinking. Strengthening family communication and conflict-resolution skills, along with expanding social support and tailored developmental opportunities, is essential for their holistic growth and empowerment.