METHODOLOGY FOR STUDYING SOCIAL SKILLS IN ADULTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Abstract

The article presents a methodology for studying socialization skills in adults with visual impairments. The relevance of the study is determined by the need for a comprehensive examination of the social functioning of people with visual impairments in adulthood, since limitations or loss of visual information may affect the nature of interpersonal interaction, the establishment and maintenance of social contacts, independence, adaptation to the social environment, and participation in social life. The purpose of the study is to provide a theoretical rationale for and develop a methodology for assessing the development of social skills in adults with visual impairments, as well as to identify its main structural components, criteria, indicators, and levels of development. The research methodology involves a comprehensive assessment of social skills across a range of interrelated components, including communication skills, the ability to establish and maintain interpersonal contacts, social interaction skills, emotional and regulatory abilities, the ability to constructively resolve problematic and conflict situations, adherence to social norms and rules, and the level of social independence. To obtain objective results, the methodology combines quantitative and qualitative research methods, including analysis of scientific sources, questionnaires, interviews, observation, psychodiagnostic methods, expert assessment, and quantitative analysis of the data obtained. The proposed methodology makes it possible to identify the specific characteristics of social skills in adults with visual impairments, determine their strengths and difficulties in social interaction, and establish the level of development of the skills under study. The practical significance of the proposed methodology lies in the possibility of its application by psychologists, educators, social workers, and specialists in rehabilitation and inclusive institutions for the comprehensive assessment of social skills in adults with visual impairments. The results obtained can be used to determine the areas of psychological and pedagogical support, social and psychological rehabilitation, development of communicative competence, and enhancement of the level of social adaptation of this category of individuals.