AUTHOR=Alves Stephanie , Weitkamp Katharina , Breitenstein Christina , Bodenmann Guy 

TITLE=We-perspective on vision impairment: pathways between common dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1628804

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1628804

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=IntroductionCommon DC, how couples cope together with stress, may protect couples from relationship dissatisfaction in the context of vision impairment. However, the mechanisms through which common DC relate to couple satisfaction are underexplored. This study aimed to examine whether we-ness, intimacy, and perceiving vision impairment as a we-disease mediate the relationship between common dyadic coping (DC) and relationship satisfaction in the context of vision impairment.MethodsNinety-nine individuals with visual impairment (IVI) and their spouses completed self-report questionnaires assessing DC, relationship satisfaction, intimacy, we-ness, and we-disease. An Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model was performed.ResultsResults showed that (1) higher levels of common DC were associated with higher intimacy and we-ness which, consequently, were associated with higher relationship satisfaction in both IVI and their spouses; and (2) the more IVI’ spouses engage in common DC, the more IVI perceived we-disease and, consequently, the less their spouses were satisfied with the relationship.DiscussionCouples facing vision impairment benefited from conjoint coping efforts as they seem to strengthen their sense of togetherness and intimacy. The adaptiveness of dyadic appraisals for couples’ adjustment should be further explored in view of unexpected results. Psychosocial rehabilitation sessions should include both partners and promote conjoint coping strategies to address challenges associated with vision impairment.