Effects of Internet use on well-being among adults with physical disabilities: A review

Abstract

Purpose: The current review provides a summarized synthesis and evaluation of studies addressing the effects of Internet use on well-being among adults (19–64 years old) with physical disabilities. Methods: Potential studies were identified through search of electronic bibliographic databases. Outcome studies were chosen for initial review if the study (1) involved a randomized controlled trial, a quasi-experimental, or a pre-experimental design, (2) appeared in the English language, (3) was published in a scholarly journal, and (4) was published before April, 2011. Applying these criteria, the search yielded 6762 studies, six of which were retained for review. Results: Current evidence with which to evaluate the effects of Internet use on well-being of adults with physical disabilities is sparse. Three of the studies found positive associations between Internet use and measures of well-being, while the remaining three studies found no statistically significant differences in well-being related to Internet use. Conclusions: Based upon the studies reviewed, conclusive statements regarding the presence or absence of these relationships are unfounded and premature. Positive relationships detected between Internet and well-being within samples of individuals with physical disabilities, however, do warrant further attention of researchers and indicate a need for studies employing heightened methodological rigor.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• The Internet presents a myriad of opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to increase quality of life and well-being, including access to vital health information, social networking, education, and accessible employment.

• Inconclusive findings within this review indicate that, while Internet use is associated with increased well-being within three of the six identified studies, further research is needed in effort to evaluate the clinical and social significance of Internet use as a means to improve well-being among persons with physical disabilities.

Keywords::

• mobility impairment
• quality of life
• spinal cord injury
• visual impairment

Declaration of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of interest.