Problem Behavior and Developmental Tasks in Adolescents with Visual Impairment and Sighted Peers

Abstract

This longitudinal study analyzed associations of problem behavior with the attainment of developmental tasks in 133 adolescents with visual impairment and 449 sighted peers. Higher levels of initial problem behavior predicted less progress in the attainment of developmental tasks at the one-year follow-up only in sighted adolescents. This association was significantly more negative in sighted adolescents than in adolescents with visual impairment. In addition, we found that a higher initial attainment of developmental tasks was associated with lower levels of problem behavior at follow-up only in the sighted group. Only adolescents with visual impairment who experienced a setback (losing a romantic partner) showed an increase in problem behavior. Therefore, this group needs more support when facing setbacks.