Interactive effect of nonfinite vision loss and cognitive flexibility on negative effect (Hebrew)

Vision loss is a traumatic experience, comparable in essence to the adjustment required for any other significant loss. The adaptation process becomes even more complex in the case of nonfinite vision loss. This condition negatively affects individuals’ quality of life and daily functioning, and previous studies have indicated elevated levels of depressive symptoms among those experiencing it. The present study is the first to examine the interactive effect of nonfinite vision loss and cognitive flexibility on negative affect in a unique population of young adults undergoing vision loss. A total of 112 young adults (50.9% women; M age = 35.61, SD = 10.61) experiencing nonfinite vision loss completed questionnaires measuring cognitive flexibility and negative affect. The findings indicate a significant positive association between nonfinite vision loss and negative affect, such that greater vision loss was associated with higher levels of negative affect. In addition, results demonstrate that cognitive flexibility moderates this relationship. Specifically, among individuals with low cognitive flexibility, a significant positive association was found between nonfinite vision loss and negative affect, whereas among individuals with high cognitive flexibility, levels of negative affect remained low regardless of the severity of vision loss. These findings highlight the crucial role of cognitive flexibility in helping individuals maintain adequate functioning and mental health in the face of nonfinite vision loss. This is particularly important given the potentially destructive impact of negative affect on individuals’ lives. The results underscore the need to develop personalized intervention tools aimed at enhancing cognitive flexibility among individuals coping with nonfinite vision loss. Cognitive flexibility constitutes a central and effective psychological resource that may serve as a foundation for improving coping abilities and enhancing quality of life among young adults facing the loss of a vital and significant ability