UNDERSTANDING THE PSYCHO-SOCIAL CHALLENGES FACED BY DEAFBLIND INDIVIDUALS: A SYSTEMATIC SCOPING REVIEW abstarct

Deafblindness is a complex sensory impairment that significantly impacts individuals’ psychosocial well-being. Understanding the unique challenges faced by this population is crucial for developing effective support services. This systematic scoping review aimed to synthesize existing research on the psychosocial challenges experienced by deafblind individuals in India. A systematic scoping review approach was adopted. A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. A total of 31 studies were included in the review. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, participants, methodology, and key findings. The review identified seven key psychosocial challenges faced by deafblind individuals: (1) social & emotional skills, (2) psychological distress, (3) educational and occupational barriers, (4) social communication challenges, (5) dependency and caregiving, (6) stigma and discrimination, and (7) harassment and violence. Coping mechanisms and resilience were also explored. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive support services, including communication training, education, employment opportunities, and mental health care. Further research is required to develop culturally appropriate interventions and policies to address the specific needs of this population. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on deafblindness by providing a comprehensive overview of the psychosocial challenges faced by deafblind individuals. The findings highlight the need for the targeted interventions and policies to improve the quality of life for this marginalized population.