Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Love is blind – a cliché which means that people, in spite their many differences,

imperfections, weaknesses, and faults, still love. According to May, love is defined as:

“Delight in the presence of the other person and an affirming of

(that person’s) value and development as much as one’s own”
(Feist, Feist, and Roberts, 2013).

To love means to care, to recognize the essential humanity of the other person, to

have an active regard for that person’s development (Feist, Feist & Roberts, 2013).

Human being need to be involved after the attainment of his/her physiological and

safety needs. This includes the desire for friendship; the wish for a mate and children; the

need to belong to a family, a club, a neighborhood, or a nation. It also includes some

aspects of sex and human contact as well as the need to both give and receive love (Feist

et al., 2013).

People who have had their love and belongingness needs adequately satisfied

from early years do not panic when denied love. These people have confidence that they

are accepted by those who are important to them, so when other people reject them, they

do not feel devastated.

In choosing people to love, there are some factors to consider and the most

common of them is physical attraction. According to theories of interpersonal attraction,

it attempts to specify the conditions that lead people to like each other. Attraction is a two

way process, involving not only the person who is attracted but also the attractor.

Attraction is the perceived features of the person in need and is also necessary for
 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |2

affiliation needs such as friendship and yet people meet others who do not become

friends (Myers, 2005). An individual tends to feel attracted to, and to desire people with

higher physical attractiveness (Yela, 2000). People tend to form loving relationships with

people who they perceive as similarly attractive to themselves. In spite of this, people

tend to perceive their partner in a biased way as a little more attractive as themselves.

Those similar in physical attractiveness usually fall in love. However, physical

attractiveness becomes the basis on how to treat other individuals. Those individual who

are more attractive are those who are easily admired by others. Similarly, those who are

more attractive are those who are easily favored and liked. So it seems that people base

their admiration and treating other people on the level of physical attractiveness. The

higher the perceived physical attractiveness, the more chance of being admired and

treated special by others.

Moreover, another factor in choosing people to love is considering an

individual’s attachment to another individual. Bowlby (1969, as cited by McLeod, 2009)

defined attachment as a lasting psychological connectedness between human beings. It is

a deep and enduring emotional bond that connects one person to another across time and

space. It protects a person by assuring that they maintain proximity to caring and

supporting others. Attachment makes individual dependent on the people and things

around them and make them forget that they have natural self-esteem. To be attached to

someone or something makes an individual happy. It could be anything pleasing to them.

This is where an individual’s dependence on a partner comes from. Whatever the

attachment is, it points to a need that an individual is trying to fulfill, and when this fails,

an individual feels hurt and begin to suffer (Granger, 2012).

 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |3

In addition, research on adult attachment is guided by the assumption that the

same motivational system that gives rise to the close emotional bond between parents and

their children is responsible for the bond that develops between adults in emotionally

intimate relationships (Fraley, 2010).

Blindness is defined as the state of being sightless. A blind individual is unable to

see. In a strict sense, the word “blindness” denotes the inability of a person to distinguish

darkness from bright light in either eye. The terms blind and blindness have been

modified in the society to include a wide range of visual impairment. Blindness is

frequently used to describe severe visual decline in one or both eyes with maintenance of

some residual vision (Dahl, 2017).

Discrimination has always been a large challenge for visually impaired people to

overcome. It had never been easy but with the persistence of a few came the victory for

many. Changes were made in their society because a few people refused to give up on

something that meant so much to them. These changes have allowed the visually

impaired person to become equal to the average citizen as opposed to a minor. It has

allowed them to compete with their peers instead of being passed over for a job or a seat

in a prominent college (Beaudin, 2011).

Of course, the importance of appearance won’t be the same for everyone because

physical attractiveness is essentially something that is seen, and individual might predict

that the appearance of a potential partner should matter less to individuals with visual

impairments. One study tested this possibility in a sample of German adolescents. As

predicted, the researchers found that as compared to sighted individuals, adolescents with

visual impairments placed less importance on the physical attractiveness of a partner, and
 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |4

instead emphasized psychological and emotional maturity. As the authors of the study

concluded, the importance of maturity to visually-impaired participants supported the

popular German saying that ‘what is essential is invisible to the eye’ (Swami, n.d).

Since attraction and attachment are some of the foundations of love; and physical

attribution is one thing that is usually considered, forming attachment to others and being

attracted can be a challenge for blind people. Blind people, in choosing a person to love,

are the same as those who are sighted. They might have lack of sight but it doesn’t

indicate a lack of any of the other hormonal influences that inexplicably draw individual

to certain people.

Background of the Study

The cliché ‘love is blind” gave the researcher an idea on how blind people choose

someone to love. What is love for a blind person? How then does a blind person admire?

Does beauty play an important role for a blind person to find a partner? How does

“attraction” become possible to them if they don’t have the ability to perceive? What are

their bases to become attracted due to interpersonal relationship?

The movie “Kita kita” starring Alessandra De Rossi (Lea) and Empoy (Tonyo) is

a story of a woman who suffers temporary blindness due to environmental factors and

later met a strange man who cared for her since then. Despite the physical attribution of

the leading man in the movie, the woman still falls in love with him. The factor she

considers in choosing the man is not what she sees in him because in the first place, the

man is strange to her, but she fell in love with him in the way the man treated her in spite
 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |5

of her condition. In the end, after all their shared memories during her sightless situation,

she realizes that she needs him. The man died and her sight returned. The researcher in

this study was motivated with what Tonyo says at the end of his letter to Lea, “…alam

mo, ang labo mo. Nung nakakakita ka di mo ko nakita, nung nabulag ka, nakita mo

ako…” Thereafter, the researcher asked himself, is love really blind?

Aside from such, the researcher was able to watch a documentary film about two

blind married couple who met on a training center for the blind and had two (2) children

already.

This motivated the researcher to study how blind people gets attracted to a person,

how they become attracted emotionally and how love becomes their means to perceive

the world.

All senses are important. They function uniquely in a human body. They make an

individual feel free in doing everyday tasks. However, if one of these senses is lost, it

makes an individual feel unfree and unsecured. In particular, losing the sense of sight

limits the individual to perform daily tasks and hinders them to choose a partner.

The researcher had an observation that blind people usually falls in love with the

one who is always there for them and accepts them in spite of their special needs.

Moreover, in some studies, most of the researches that were conducted regarding

blindness or blind person focuses only on their educational attainment and/or their

occupational status, however there are limited researches on how a blind people become

attracted and form attachment to another person.

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Objectives of the Study

This study sought to provide an understanding on how blind people gets attracted

and forms attachment. Specifically, this study tries to:

1. Know the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Age

1.2. Sex

2. To know what are the factors that they consider in choosing a person to love. In

terms of:

2.1. Physical Aspect

2.2. Emotional aspect

2.3. Social aspect

3. To know how blind people develop and form attachment to other person.

4. To know the problems and challenges they faced in choosing a person to love.

Significance of the Study

This study is significant in such a way that the following people will be benefited

from the result of this research.

To the society, who are unaware of the conception of love to a blind person, this

study will help them realize that though they are unable to visually perceive the physical

world, they are also capable of loving.

To the Psychology program, who can gain understanding how a blind person

becomes attracted and fall in love with a person, which can be used on the discussions
 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |7

especially in General Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Theories of Personality,

and Social Psychology with the study on personal and human relations.

To the students who can understand more the situation of the blind people. They

may be able to initiate or participate on the programs regarding how to improve lives of

the blind.

To the blind people, they would feel that, though physical attraction hinders

them to fall in love with an individual and form attachment, they are also normal for they

are capable of loving.

To the families of the blind, that they may be able to accept and nurture their

children despite their incapacity and that they may be able to support them in their choice

of partner in life.

To the future researchers, in that the results of this study would serve as their

learning ground regarding attraction, emotional attachment, and romance of a blind

person.

Scope and Limitation

This study aimed to determine how a blind person becomes attracted to a person,

and how they form attachment to an individual. This study was limited to 3 blind couples

(6 individuals) from Lucena City.

 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |8

Definition of Terms

To better understand the concepts presented in this study, the following terms

were conceptually and operationally defined.

Attachment are strong feelings of affection or loyalty for someone or something

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, n.d.). As used in this study, it refers to a condition

of being connected to a person or a thing in particular.

Attraction is something interesting or enjoyable that people want to visit, see or do

(Merriam-Webster Dictionary, n.d.). As used in this study, it refers to having a

personal liking to an individual.

Blindness is not having functional use of sight (Smith, 1998). As used in this study, it

refers to not being able to visually perceive environment.

Congenital Blindness is severely impaired vision that is present at birth (Medical

Encyclopedia, 2107). As used in this study, it refers to the condition of the

respondents.

Emotional Aspect is the markedly aroused or agitated feeling or sensibilities (Merriam-

Webster Dictionary, n.d). As used in this this study, this refers to one of the

aspects of attraction the researcher used.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) is an investigative method, developed

by Smith, which sets out to “…capture the experiential and qualitative, and which

could still dialogue with mainstream psychology…” (Smith, et al., 2009). As used

in this study, it refers to the approach that the researcher used in the whole

analysis of the gathered data. Through this method, the researcher will be able to

collect detailed, reflective, first person accounts from the participants.

 Love is Blind: A Phenomenological… |9

Love is a feeling of strong or constant regard for and dedication to someone (Merriam,

Thesaurus, n.d.). As used in this study, it refers to the feeling or affection to

someone.

Perception is a thought, belief, or opinion often held by many people based on

appearances (Cambridge Dictionary, 2017). As used in this study, it refers to the

ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through senses.

Physical Aspect is perceptible especially through the senses and subject to the laws of

nature (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, n.d.). As used in this study, it refers to

having a personal liking to an individual.

Social Aspect is marked by or passed in pleasant companionship with friends or

associates (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, n.d.). As used in this study, it refers to

having a personal liking to an individual.

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Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the different literature and studies in relation to attraction,

attachment, and blindness reviewed to serve as the source of background information of

the present study. It has been divided into different parts to have a systematic and

organized presentation. The first part contains information about blindness in particular

with its types and causes. The second part is attraction and impression. The third part

discusses the basis for interpersonal attraction (proximity, familiarity, communication,

similarities, complementarities and physical attractiveness). The last part is for

attachment, the start to relationships.

Blindness

Blindness is the inability to see anything, even light. If a person is partially blind,

they have limited vision. Complete blindness means that an individual can’t see at all and

are in total darkness. Legal blindness refers to vision that’s highly compromised. What a

person with healthy eyes can see from 200 feet away, a legally blind person can see only

from 20 feet away (Krucik, 2017).

Being blind is a terrible disability and one that can make life more difficult in a

number of ways. For anyone experiencing blindness, the situation will be equally difficult

and it will be necessary to find a vast range of coping methods to help an individual to get

around and to survive on a day to day basis (Manfredi, 2017).

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Genetic defects can lead to vision loss. For instance, albinism can often lead to

vision problems due to the lack of pigment in the eye (which causes more light to enter).

Meanwhile Leber’s congenital amaurosis, a rare inherited eye disease, can lead to

complete blindness from birth or childhood, as can Bardet Biedl syndrome—a genetic

condition which also leads to obesity, hypogonadism, mental difficulties, and renal

failure (Manfredi, 2017).

According to Shald (2012), by far the most common psychological comorbidity of

vision loss is depression. There are also social manifestations such as higher rates of

unemployment and divorce. It’s not uncommon for patients to report fear and anxiety

related to the anticipation of future vision loss or blindness and phobic anxieties, such as

fear of open spaces, travelling in crowded areas, and being left alone. Economics, race,

culture, and spiritual/religious beliefs can play significant roles. Some social, cultural,

and religious groups may embrace and assist visually impaired people; others may shun

them and consider them a burden.

However, when a visual impairment is present from birth (congenital), it will have

a more significant impact on development and learning than if the visual impairment is

required later in life (adventitious). Loss of vision can affect all areas of development.

Social development is affected as children are not able to pick up on non-verbal clues or

if they are unable to make eye contact they may appear disinterested and can reduce

sustained social interactions. Loss of vision impacts motor development as a child may

not be motivated to move toward that which can’t be seen or causes inhibition to move

for fear of the unknown. Exploration of the environment and materials is critical in
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cognitive development not only for motor development but for development of concepts

(Willings, 2017).

In addition, blindness can cause psychological distress leading to maladjustment

if not mitigated. Maladjustment is a secondary burden that further reduces quality of life

of the blind. Adjustment is often personalized and depends on nature and quality of

prevailing psychological support and rehabilitation opportunities. Most of the blind had

no access to formal education or rehabilitation system, which may have contributed to

their maladjustment in the domains identified (Tunde-Ayinmode, et al., 2011).

Attraction and Impression

For a person, feeling attracted is an emotional process with a peak of being

passionate about the other. Psychological researches prove that all passions fade away

within a short duration, say about a year, putting the relationship in peril. Therefore, any

relationship based on mere attraction is going to be short-lived unless there are other

reasons to sustain it. Attraction is most often physical and may even be lust. Since

physique of a person never remains the same, the attraction keeps on varying. Other

attributes of a person such as intellect, kindness, caring, serving, etc. cannot attract

another with their passivity. For a rapport, the other person too has to be active to gather

the information and realize those (Bansal, 2011).

When the other person is actively probing and gathering information, they make

an impression of the person on their mind. So, an impression is a well versed process and

requires a lot of considerations. Any affinity developed on the basis of an impression is

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therefore long-lasting. But it is not all for a sound relationship. With an impression, the

person expresses their desire for a relationship and then the other person goes through the

same process of gathering an impression of the first person to decide on the relationship.

Thus, an impression-based relationship develops through a two-way process and is long-

lasting (Bansal, 2011).

Basis for Interpersonal Attraction

Proximity

Proximity means closeness, either in terms of physical distance, personal

relationship, or length of time. If someone is sitting next to a person, then they are in

close proximity to them. Likewise, events in time can be either proximal (near each

other) or distal (far apart), and relationships can be close (e.g., a girlfriend or boyfriend)

or distant (e.g., an estranged relative) (Alleydog, n.d).

The factor of living close by is known to play an important role in the early stages

of forming a friendship. Physical proximity of one person to another is a potent factor

which facilitates attraction. Chances are those who are situated the adjoining room in the

condominium, or catch the same MRT bus home, play significant role in identifying

relationships (Festinger, et al., 1950, as cited by Apruebo, 2009).

Moreover, proximity allows other factors to come into play in determining

interpersonal attraction, such as familiarity. Proximity generally leads to repeated

exposure and greater familiarity, and therefore more liking (Furnham, 2017).
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Research suggests that one of the best predictors is how close people live to each

other. Being in close proximity to someone is likely to promote friendship (Goddard,

2012).

Familiarity

As one becomes more familiar with a stimulus, one feels more comfortable with it

and shows more liking for it. This is a way of saying that a friend becomes like your

favorite pair of shoes, something that you feel comfortable about. Zanjonc (as cited by

Apruebo, 2009) has found that the repetitive presentation of a variety of stimuli increases

liking for them. Familiarity enhances liking as a part of a more general effect in which

repetitive presentation of stimuli increases liking for them. The familiarity effect also

extends to the faces of strangers, which are judged as more liked and more attractive

when they are seen more often. In contrast, when something familiar seems different,

people feel uncomfortable. For example, people do not usually like mirror reversals of

photos of their own or others’ faces (Furnham, 2017).

Moreover, proximity also promotes familiarity and familiarity also increases

liking for something or someone (Goddard, 2012).

Communication

Likewise, we like more the socially skilled. Social intelligence can be

demonstrated by being a good conversationalist. Skilled speakers were seen as more

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likeable, whereas boring communicators were not only rated as less likeable, but also as

less friendly and more impersonal (Leary, et al., 1986, as cited by Larsen, Ommundsen,

& Veer, 2008). Obviously, communication skills are essential to long-lasting

relationships. We are especially fond of people whose ways of relating to others are

similar to our own (Burselon & Samster, 1996, as cited by Larsen, Ommundsen, & Veer,

2008).

According to Curnalia (2016), people’s conversational style, communication

competence, and nonverbal immediacy behaviors affect social, physical, and task

attraction. Conversational styles such as being animated, relaxed, and attentive during

interactions is related to increased percaptions of social and task attraction.

Communication competence also increases perceptions of social, task, and physical

attractiveness, but the most pronounced effect of competence are on social and task

attractiveness. People tend to like interactions where the other person is emphatic

(responsive to the feelings of others), shows affinity toward them (nonverbal signals of

liking), communicates supportively, and seems to be relaxed. Thus, nonverbal immediacy

may be important for increasing attraction. Immediacy are those behaviors that brings

individual psychologically closer to someone, such as making eye contact, nodding their

head in agreement, smiling, having an open and relaxed posture, and communicating in a

positive, friendly, inclusive way. In summary, it involves seeming comfortable with and

interested in the other person. Using verbal and nonverbal immediacy behaviors increase

perceptions of a person’s perceived outcome value, which is the perception of the

rewards they could get from a prospective relationship.

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Similarity

Similarity is one type of “grouping rule” that humans follow in an effort to make

sense of the basic sensations and the world around them. They follow these very specific

rules unconsciously, but they are very important for their everyday survival. One

grouping principle is similarity which refers to the tendency for humans to group together

objects or stimuli that seem similar to each other (Alleydog, n.d).

According to Hogg and Vaughman (1998, as cited by Apruebo, 2009), people

tend to like others who have values and attitudes similar to them. When they meet new

people, they talk with them and learn what they think and feel. This interaction enables

people to discover if they are similar. It is often said that opposites attract, but within the

psychological literature, there is very little evidence this complementarity view. Rather,

the evidence suggests that people who are evenly matched in their physical appearance,

social background, and personality are more likely to be attracted to one another. Studies

of long-term relationships have confirmed that at the time of initial testing, partners are

similar in a number of aspects such as age and education. Over time, partners become

even more similar on measures of mental abilities and attitudes (Furnham, 2017).

Couples tend to have similar interests or outlooks, similar psychological

characteristics (e.g. intelligence and physical attributes—assortative mating) (Goddard,

2012).
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Complementarity

Complementarity is a theory in social psychology that proposes a person seeks

traits and qualities in social relationships that fill gaps in themselves. This concept

suggests that individuals seek in other traits that they do not have and that “complete”

them. Focus is placed on spectrums of dominance/submission and friendliness/aggression

(Alleydog, n.d).

In addition, the importance of similarity suggests “birds of the same feather flock

together”. But are we not also told that opposites attract? Complementarity personality

traits produce liking for only a few personality traits (Levinger, 1964; Winch, 1955 as

cited by Larsen, Ommundsen, & Veer, 2008). When complementarities lead to attraction,

it appears to be a rare exception to the dominant effect of similarity. Even in cases where

personalities are complementary on some traits, they have many more similar traits in

common.

Physical Attractiveness

Attractiveness or physical attractiveness describes how appealing or pleasing a

person’s physical features and aesthetic beauty are. This varies greatly across different

cultures and time periods but some traits are generally universal like facial symmetry and

an overall healthy appearance. The physical attractiveness stereotype is the tendency to

perceive physically attractive people as intelligent, talented, confident, well-liked, and

honest. As a result, good-looking individuals have more persuasive power than

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individuals of average or below average looks and has an advantage in job searches,

elections, and even criminal trials (Alleydog, n.d).

Also, physical attractiveness is associated with personal traits such as sensitive,

warm, modest, and happy, among others expressed the words “What is beautiful is good”

(Apruebo, 2009), with which the attractiveness is based on physical attractiveness

stereotype that is, the belief that physically attractive individuals possess socially

desirable personality traits and lead happier lives than less attractive persons (Franzoi,

2006, cited in Apruebo, 2009). While individuals do not rate this as important, research

suggests it does play a major part. People are rated more favorably if with an attractive

partner, and photos of attractive people are rated as being more popular (Goddard, 2012).

Attachment

Attachment can pertain to all people, regardless of age, but typically relates to the

attachment between children and caregivers (usually the mother). Attachment is an

emotional tie or bond between two people. This is a very powerful bond that is important

for survival—it keeps infants close to their mothers which is important for getting food,

staying away from danger, and getting comfort (Alleydog,n.d)

However, attachment refers to the positive emotions expressed in the presence of

the caregiver, the feeling of security in the child, and the desire to be with the caregiver,

initially exclusively, but later with other significant others (Bowlby, 1988; Cassidy &

Shaver, 1999, as cited by Larsen, Ommundsen, & Veer, 2008). The attachments of child

may gradually change and they become fond of the father, grandmother, and other
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relatives, proceeding normally from long attachment to the mother, to establishing new

relationships with other people in their life.

Foreign Studies

In one classic study on attraction, the main focus was on the proximity of

relationships (Festinger, Schahter, & Back, 1950, cited in Larsen, Ommundsen, & Veer,

2008). These researches performed a sociometric study in a housing complex for married

students at MIT called Westgate West. The residents were asked to name their three

closest friends. The majority of the respondents named people who lived in the same

building, even though other housing units were nearby. Even within the building

proximity was a striking factor, with 41 percent naming their next-door neighbors as best

friends, 22 percent named those living two doors away, and only 10 percent pointed to

those living at the end of hallways as close friends. The critical factor was the chance of

coming in contact. Festinger, et al. called it functional distance.

In addition, a study on a young woman expressed an interest in a male participant

by eye contact, listening with rapt attention and leaning forward with interest. Even when

told she had different views, the male participants still expressed great liking for the

woman (Gold, Ryckman, & Mosley, 1984, as cited by Larsen, Ommundsen, & Veer,

2008). Regardless of what we show by means of verbal or non-verbal responses, the most

significant factor determining our liking of another is the belief that the person likes us

(Berscheid & Walster, 1978; Kenny, 1994, cited in Larsen, Ommundsen, & Veer, 2008).

When we come to believe someone likes us, we behave in ways that encourage mutual
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liking. We express more warmth, and are more likely to disclose, and behave in pleasant

way. So liking someone works like a self-fulfilling prophecy. Expressing liking elicits

pleasant behavior and reciprocal liking (Curtis & Miller, 1986, as cited by Larsen,

Ommundsen, & Veer, 2008).

Furthermore, a classic study of adult attachment was conducted by Hazan and

Shaver (1987, as cited by Feist, et al., 2013), who predicted that different types of early

attachment styles would distinguish the kind, duration, and stability of adult love

relationships. More specifically, these investigators expected that people who had

securely early attachments with their caregivers would experience more trust, closeness,

and positive emotions in their adult relationships than would people in either of the two

insecure groups. Likewise, they predicted that avoidant adults would fear closeness and

lack trust, whereas anxious-ambivalent adults would be preoccupied with and obsessed

by their relationships.

Moreover, using college students and other adults, Hazan and Shaver (1987, as

cited by Feist, et al., 2013) found support for each of these predictions. Securely attached

adults experienced more trust and closeness in their love relationships than avoidant or

anxious-ambivalent adults. Moreover, the researchers found that securely attached adults

were more likely than insecure adults were less cynical about love in general, had longer

lasting relationships, and were less likely to divorce than either avoidant or anxious-

ambivalent adults.

In London, Dr. Pasqualotto led a study in the University of Bath then later

published on the Daily Mail a study that born blind people have more accurate memories

than those with sight, they also had the best verbal memory skills in test achieved through
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listening to a series of words. The study work revealed that the congenitally blind people

remembered more words (World Health Organization, 2013).

In addition, findings from a Canadian research team investigating this link suggest

that not only is there a real connection between vision and other senses, but that

connection is important to better understand the underlying mechanisms that can quickly

trigger sensory changes. This may demystify the true potential of human adaptation and,

ultimately, help develop innovative and effective methods for rehabilitation following

sensory loss or injury. Studies have shown, in terms of hearing, that blind people are

better at localizing sound. One study even suggested that blindness might improve the

ability to differentiate between sound frequencies. The supposed enhanced tactile abilities

have been studied at a greater degree and can be seen as early as days or even minutes

following blindness. This rapid change in auditory ability hasn’t yet been clearly

demonstrated.

Another study by Ardito, et al. (2004) explores how maternal interactive

behaviors experienced during the childhood of adults with congenital blindness are

associated with their subsequent development and personality. Many researchers have

found a high frequency of maternal directiveness and overprotection in sighted mother-

congenitally blind child relationships. One open question is whether these behaviors may

have negative effects on congenitally blind children’s subsequent development, or

whether they may have a functionally adaptive-strategic role. The purpose of this study

was to discriminate between two hypotheses. This objective was pursued by adopting the

theory of attachment and administering the Adult Attachment interview to 15 participants

with congenital blindness. Results suggested that directive and overprotective maternal
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behaviors are experienced by the persons with congenital blindness as encouraging and

functional as long as they are accompanied by an effective, loving and supportive

attitude. Results did not support the hypothesis that directive and overprotective maternal

interactive behaviors have a necessarily negative effect on the development of person’s

with congenital blindness.

Furthermore, a study about psychosocial implications of blindness and low vision

in students of a school for children with blindness found out that among the 40 blind

school children 60 percent have experienced difficulty in their life. This study showed

that blindness or low vision have psychological implications like feeling of guilt, anxiety,

sadness, and depression (Ishtiaq, 2016).

Local Studies

According to The Philippine Star (2014), more than two million Filipinos are

projected to develop visual impairment during that year due to various reasons, ranging

from chronic illnesses to aging, according to an expert from the Philippine Academy of

Opthalmology (PAO). In a press briefing, PAO member Carlos Emmanuel Chua noted

that based on research of the Sentro Oftalmologico Jose Rizal of the Philippine General

Hospital in 2012 and 2013, around 2.4 million individuals will be visually impaired that

year.

In a previous study of physiognomy, face—social aspects, interpersonal attraction

and smell in an undergraduate thesis in 2011 at De la Salle State University, it was found

that there is a relationship between human body scent and physical attractiveness. This
 L o v e i s B l i n d : A P h e n o m e n o l o g i c a l … | 23

was proven through Major Histocompatibility Complex genes and facial symmetry

wherein skin healthiness is a factor affecting facial attractiveness. Consequently, sexual

selection is also a factor that supports the idea of mate preference in humans. In this

study, t-shirts worn by 40 males for two consecutive nights and 40 facial photographs

were used as instruments for the basis of attraction. Female participants rate the shirts and

the facial photographs of males. Findings from this study showed no significant

correlation between the facial attraction and odor attraction.

Theoretical Framework

Reward Theory of Attraction

Reward theory of attraction is a theory that states we like those whose behavior is

rewarding to us or whom we associate with rewarding events. Those who reward us, or

whom we associate with rewards, we like. This suggests that when a person associates

their partner with pleasant activities, relationship lasts (Myers & Twenge, 2017). This

will help us understand why people everywhere feel attracted to those who are warm,

trustworthy, and responsive (Flechter, et al., 1999; Regan, 1998; Wojciske, et al., 1998,

as cited by Myers & Twene, 2017).

This means that an individual will be more likely to like people who gives more

and not want a lot in return. An individual can look at the social benefits to find the

reason behind attraction. This theory will help explain some of the influences of

attraction: proximity, attractiveness, similarity, and complementarity.

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Abraham Maslow’s “D-Love” and “B-Love”

Abraham Maslow’s “D-Love” or Deficiency-Love states that springs from our

needs for love, for security and for belongingness; when another gratifies our deficiency

needs, we love the other in return (Berscheid & Walster, 1978). According to Maslow:

“There is another kind of love—“B-Love”. But while all of us can aspire

to love another simply for the other’s “being” rather than for the
satisfactions the other provides, only very few exceptional, “self-
actualized” individuals may ever actually experience such love. The kind
of love most of us experience in our lifetime is, in Maslows view. D-Love”
(Bercheid & Walster, 1978).

This came from the theory of Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It means

that after attaining the biological and security needs, an individual needs love and

belongingness. The need for attachment includes both love and belongingness. However,

the need for love and belongingness may overcome the biological and security needs but

still depends on the social group an individual belongs to.

Adult Attachment Theory

Adult attachment theory states that adult romantic relationship and infant-

caregiver relationships include the same emotion and behavior dynamics that use a

similar biological system. The attachment patterns of adult romantic relationships are

similar to attachment patterns shown by children towards caregivers. Romantic love

involves attachment and caregiving. Adult attachment theory holds that there is a matrix

which determines an individual’s attachment pattern based off of whether they have

positive or negative thoughts about themselves (Lint, 2013).

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Adult attachment theory is rooted from the idea of Bowlby on attachment.

Individual’s attachment relationship begin developing at birth and their early experiences

as children shape their responses in current primary relationships. When there is

unresponsiveness of an attachment figure over time, people develop different attachment

strategies as a way to protect themselves in intimate relationships and can become either

overly anxious or more distant and avoidant.

Research Paradigm

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

Demographic profile In depth interview

Blind person’s
of the Blind Person: Data analysis using Attraction,
Age Interpretative Attachment,
Phenomenological Problems and
Sex Analysis Challenges
Triangulation

Fig. 1. An Input Process Output (IPO) Model of the Study

Figure 1 shows the input, process, and output expected in the conduct of this

research work. The input contains the demographic profile of the respondents including
 L o v e i s B l i n d : A P h e n o m e n o l o g i c a l … | 26

the age and sex. The process includes in-depth interview which was conducted through

the use of a guide questionnaire focused on the factors that they consider in choosing a

person to love, how blind people develop and form attachment to other person, and the

problems and challenges a blind person face in choosing a person to love.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyze the data

gathered. This process will serve as the gateway in achieving the information needed to

supplement the answers for this research’s objectives. Triangulation was done to validate

the answers of the respondents.

Lastly, the output of this research are the factors blind people consider in

choosing a person to love; and how they develop and form attachment to other person;

and the problems and challenges they face in choosing a person to love.
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Chapter III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research methodology which highlight the underlying

principles that eventually supported the study and the methods used in gathering data.

Research Locale

The study was conducted in Lucena City. The researcher resides in this place and

conducted the study in this area because it was more time efficient.

Research Design

This study used descriptive qualitative method of research which applied

qualitative data analysis wherein a semi-structured interview guided by an interview

guide questionnaire was used. The analysis of data was done through Interpretative

Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Respondents

The respondents of this study were 3 congenitally blind couples aged 21-39

residing in Lucena City. They were chosen through purposive sampling.

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Instrumentation

An interview guide questionnaire was used on the interview, which was divided

into parts to make the flow of the interview systematic and logical. With the consent of

the respondents, the researcher used a voice recorder so that all data were recorded

accurately. An informal interview with the respondents was used so that the respondents

were able to fully express their thoughts and ideas. All the guide questions were based on

the objectives of this research work.

Data Gathering Procedure

The data was collected through the following procedures:

1. Request letters were made and forwarded to the authorities involved in conducting the

study.

2. After the respondents were identified, consent was asked from the participants.

3. The researcher oriented the respondents about the purpose of the study.

4. The schedule of interview to was set.

Respondents First Session Second Session

F1- Mahinhin October 10, 2017 November 7, 2017
F2- Maganda October 11, 2017 November 7, 2017
F3- Mayumi October 13, 2017 November 6, 2017
M1- Matapang October 10, 2017 November 14, 2017
M2- Makisig October 11, 2017 November 14, 2017
M3- Maliksi October 13, 2017 November 17, 2017
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5. The interview was conducted at the residence of the respondents and in their

workplace.

6. The data gathered were consolidated and transcribed.

7. The transcribed data were analyzed using IPA.

8. Triangulation was done to validate answers of the respondents.

9. The generalization and recommendations were formulated based from the findings.

Data Analysis

In analyzing the gathered data, the researcher used the Interpretative

Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). The researcher analyzed the data and grouped the

gathered information accordingly. The objectives of the study were the basis of the

questions given to the respondents. The data and information were analyzed and were

presented using text and tables.

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Chapter IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results of the study. Given were analysis and

interpretation of data supported by tables.

Table 1. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Fictitious Name Age Sex

Mahinhin 38 Female
Maganda 30 Female
Mayumi 28 Female
Matapang 23 Male
Makisig 39 Male
Maliksi 21 Male

Table 1 shows the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of their age,

and sex. The ages of the respondents ranged from 21 to 39. There are three (3) females

and three (3) males who participated in the research. Mahinhin is the wife of Matapang,

Maganda is the wife of Makisig, and Mayumi is the wife of Maliksi. Looking at their age,

it appeared that the age gaps of each couple are somehow far from each other; 15, 9, and

7 years are the gaps, respectively.

According to DiDonato (2017), couples with large age gaps might experience

some challenges depending on some factors depending on their similarity, sameness of

relationship timetable such as plans for the future, supports from family or friends,
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having or not having a child, being financially prepared, and being compatible with their

goals.

Table 2.1. Physical Aspect

Sense Statement
Smell “Mabango, pag mabango ang isang taon alam kong ito ay
malinis. Kaya ako’y nagkagusto sa aking asawa ay lagi syang
mabango.”

Hearing “…‘nakapg hindi ko naririnig yung boses niya, parang ako’y

nalulungkot ba, ganun, tapos ayun hinahanap-hanap ko na
yung boses niya.”

Table 2.1 shows the physical aspect that blind person considers in choosing a

person to love. It appeared that only two of the chosen respondents had mentioned the

physical aspects of attraction. According to a Swami (n.d.), as compared to sighted

individuals, adolescents with visual impairments give less importance on the physical

attributes of an individual but rather focus on their psychological and emotional maturity.

Table 2.2. Emotional Aspect

Theme Statement

Spiritual “Siguro ang batayan ko sa asawa ko ay dahil pinagdasal ko sa Panginoon

na ibigay sa akin ng Panginoon ang isang lalaki na maka-Diyos saka
talagang mamahalin ako “

Attitude
“Sa ugali naman, mayroon naman akong nagustuhan”

Attitude “Ano…yun nga, naramdaman ko na mahal ko sya tapos mahal nya din
naman ako”
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Attitude “Unang-una, hindi po yun sa itsura. Hindi po nakikita sa itsura kundi po sa

kalooban po ng isang tao”

Attitude “Ahm…ayun na nga kagaya ng sinabo ko kanina, humanga ako sa ugali

nya, mabait sya, malambing, lagi ako pinapatawa, pinapasaya, ganun, kaya
ako nagkagusto sa kanya, nakapg”

Attitude “Ah…hahaha…ang sa akin lang ay yung ugali, yung sa mag-asawa

mahalaga yung ugali at yung maalaga sa pamilya.”

Table 2.2 shows the emotional aspect that blind people considers in choosing a

person to love. It appeared that majority of the respondents based their admiration to

people on their attitude. However, spiritual aspect was also considered.

According to Furnham (2017), what moderates attractiveness is one’s attitude or

values. Studies of long-tern relationships have confirmed that at the time of initial testing,

partners are similar in a number of aspects such as age and education. Over time, partners

become even more similar on measures of mental abilities and attitudes.

Table 2.3. Social Aspect

Theme Statement
Mutual Understanding “saka yung importante ay magkasundo kaming dalawa”

Religious
“mayroon naman akong nagustuhan kasi mas kaparehas
kami ng religion”

Caring “at tsaka naandun yung pag-aalaga sa kabila ng kapansanan

ko, tinanggap nya ako, minahal nya ako”
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Openness “Kumbaga ay nagkakaroon kami ng pagkakataon para

magbahaginan n gaming mga karanasan.”

Caring “pero nung nakasama ko siya, parang nagkaroon ng

direksyon ang buhay ko, parang sumaya ako, tapos noong
dati nabubuhay lang ako para sa sarili ko, pero ngayon,
nabubuhay na ako para sa kanya.”

Caring “pag-uwi mo ng bahay, nararamdaman mong andun sya,

kumbagay inaalagaan ka nya, dun mo mararamdaman yung
tunay na pagmamahal nya”

Table 2.3 shows the social aspect that blind people considers in choosing a person

to love. It appeared that blind people are attracted to those who are caring. However, they

also consider individuals whom they feel a mutual understanding with, religious, and

open.

According to Nicholson (2016), caring is an important influence in relationships,

especially long-term ones. Usually, such attractiveness is displayed through a pleasant

and cheerful personality, which seems to bring the best out in others, and in one’s self.
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Table 3. Social Interactions between sighted or blind

Status Statement
Sighted “Nasubukan ko din po makisama sa mga nakakakita, para sa akin, mas
ahm...
kasi syempre marami akong napupuntahan kesa sa hindi nakakakita
kasi kanya kanya din ang ugali.”

Blind “Pag sa side ko, mas okay na yung blind kesa sighted kasi bihira yung
sighted na maging totoo sa ibang tao eh”

Blind “Ahm…mas komportable ako makisalamuha sa katulad kong hindi

nakakakita.
Kasi po pag sa mga kagaya kong hindi nakakakita, mas ramdam ko
kung ano yung nararamdaman nila, mas alam ko yung pakiramdam na
hindi nakakakita kesa mga nakakakita na kasi kung minsan andun yung
panlalait, ganun. So kahit hindi naming nakikita yung isa’t-isa,
nararamdaman naming yung isa’t-isa.”

Sighted/Blind “Depende rin po kasi yun kasi para sa akin po mayroon naman pong
time na sa normal yun pong hindi binabasehan kung normal o hindi yun
nafi-feel kong tanggap ako. Normal man o PWD.”

Blind “Sa taong kagaya naming po kasi…mas nakakaintindi sila sa amin eh,
ganun din sila”

Sighted/Blind “Kung…tatanungin mo, halos parehas lang naman po kasi, ang sa

amin ay limited lang, kumbaga hindi po naming kayang kumilos ng
mag-isa pero kung anong kayang gawin ng normal, kaya din naming.
Hindi din kami nahuhuli sa kung anong…sa mga TV Station, radio mga
ganun, hindi kami nahuhuli.”

Sighted/Blind “Parehas lang. Kasi may mga kaibigan akong normal ang paningin at
mayroon din akong kaibigang bulag. Pero kung tatanungin mo ako
kung kanino ako palagi nagsasasama, ay sa bulag ako lagi nasama kasi
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alam ko ang mga pinagdadaanan ng kapwa ko eh.”

Blind “Ahh…sa akin ay…ano sa…blind, kasi bata pa lang ako ay ang lagi ko
kalaro ay mga nakakakita kumbagay nakisalamuha ako sa kanila pero
nung pumasok ako sa Vibes, dun ko nalman na mas maganda pala
kasama ang mga blind, at least ramdam mo na hindi ka pala nag-iisa,
may kasama ka.”

Sighted/Blind “Parehas lang kasi para sa akin, natutulungan nila ako na tanggapin
kung ano at sino ako.”

Table 3 shows how blind people develop and form attachment to other person. It

pertains to whom they are comfortable with; to those who are sighted or to those who are

also blind. It appeared that most of them find security to those who are also blind.

According to Myers and Twenge (2017), friends, engaged couples, and spouses

are far more likely than randomly paired people to share common attitudes, beliefs, and

values. Furthermore, the greater the similarity between husband and wife, the happier

they are and the less likely they are to divorce. Blind people find security with other blind

people because of what they have in common.

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Table 4. Problems and challenges that were encountered by the blind person on the
process of choosing the person to love

Problem Statement
Financial “Sa aming dalawang pagsasama, wala naman kaso nga lang yung
mga kapatid nya, parang yung hingi ng hingi sa kanya na hindi
naman sa akin nagsasabi, sa kanya lang. Dapat kung yung…mga
kapatid nya dapat sasabihin din sa akin kung ano yung hinihingi
nila sa kuya nila.”

Family/Acceptance “Nung part nung nabuntis na ako sa panganay ko kasi ayaw ng

father nya na mag-asawa sya ng blind.”

Family/Acceptance “Ano kasi nung magkasama na kami nung bago kami ikasal,
parang dun may mga problemang dumating, dun sa side ko, sa
side nya tinatanong nung magulang nya kung kaya ko daw ba na
mabuhay, makasama habangbuhay, kakayain, sabi ko tapos sa
akin naman sa side ko sabi ng mga kamag-anak ko baka daw
lokohin lang ako eh… yung ibang kamag-anak ko kumontra eh
kung maiiwasan ko daw ay iwasan ko.”

Acceptance “Yun pong ano…sa ibang tao…yung against po sila…sa amin…”

Misunderstanding “Ngayon po ay wala pa naman, konting away lang po”

Family/Acceptance “Hindi naman ng dahil sa aming pagsasama eh kundi sa mga

magulang din naming saka sa kapatid, yun lang naman yung
nagiging sitwasyon ng hindi pagkakaunawaan pero hindi na
dumadating sa punto na nagkakasakitan.”

Family/Acceptance “…hindi pabor sa amin yung tatay ko, pinaghiwalay kami ng

aking misis pero pinaglaban ko sya, tinakas ko yan kasi dati yan
naka duty sa Sta Mesa, kinuha ko siya dun.”
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Family/Acceptance “Yung kwan yung ano nya, yung ayaw sa akin ng parents nya at
baka daw ayun mahirapan pero pinakita ko sa kanila na hindi
hadlang yun na kahit ganto paningin ko hindi hadlang na hindi ko
sya kayang buhayin yun yung pinakita ko sa kanila.”

Misunderstanding “Mga bagay na hindi napagkakaintindihan pero sa ngayon

naman, okay kami.”

Table 4 shows the problems and challenges blind people encounter in choosing a

person to love. It appeared that common among the blind person’s problems faced is that

their family does not support their relationship and find it hard to accept them because as

a blind person, their family does not want them to be in a relationship with another blind

person because they have the fear that their children will be cheated.

General Discussion

The purpose of this study is to provide an understanding of how blind people are

attracted and form attachment. Out of curiosity whether how they are able to be attracted

to another person wherein physical attraction is said to be the largest percentage to be

able to find attraction and be attached to an individual, the study was conducted. Findings

in this study show that blind people perceive love in different ways as sighted

individuals. Also, in finding attraction, blind individuals focus on the personality of an

individual.

In terms on how they find security, it appeared that they are more comfortable to

be with the blind person for they believe that being with them makes them feel normal. In
 L o v e i s B l i n d : A P h e n o m e n o l o g i c a l … | 39

terms of the problems they faced not only on a day to day basis but on how they are able

to choose a person to love, it appeared that they have in common, it is their family

discourages them to choose the person they love and find it hard to accept them. It

appeared that having a personal relation makes them comfortable and happy of who they

are.
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Chapter V

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary, findings derived from the analysis and

interpretation of results. This also imparts the conclusions and recommendations

formulated thereafter.

Summary

This study sought to provide an understanding on how blind people get attracted

and forms attachment. Specifically, this study tries to:

1. Know the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of:

1.1. Age

1.2. Sex

2. To know what are the factors that they consider in choosing a person to love.

3. To know how blind people develop and form attachment to other person.

4. To know the problems and challenges they faced in choosing a person to love.

The descriptive qualitative method was employed in this study. The instrument

used in the data gathering is an interview guide questionnaire that was used in the semi-

formal interview with the respondents.

In order to gather data, request letters were made and forwarded to the authorities

involved in conducting the study. After the respondents were identified, consent was

asked from the participants. The researcher oriented the respondents about the purpose of
 L o v e i s B l i n d : A P h e n o m e n o l o g i c a l … | 41

the study. The schedule of interview was set. The interview was conducted at the

residence of the respondents and in their workplace.

After the interviews, the results were then interpreted and analyzed by the

researcher. Triangulation was also done to validate the answers of the respondents.

Findings

Based from the gathered data, the following were revealed

1. Demographic profile of the respondents

1.1. In terms of age, the result showed that the respondents’ ages lie between the early

adulthood and middle adulthood (21-39)

1.2. In terms of sex, there were three (3) females and three (3) males who participated

in the research. They are couples.

2. Factors that the blind people consider in choosing a person to love

2.1. In terms of physical aspect, blind people do not consider the physical attribute of

a person to choose them. For them, it has to be given less importance in choosing

a person to love.

2.2. In terms of emotional aspect, majority of blind people consider the attitude of a

person for them to be able to choose that individual.

2.3. In terms of social aspect, they are attracted to people who care for them.

However, mutual understanding, becoming religious, and one’s openness are also

considered.
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3. Based on the analysis of the gathered data, it appeared that blind people find security

and become attached to those who are blind like them for they are able to find

comfort and acceptance.

4. In the study, blind people faced common problems and challenges in choosing a

person to love wherein family acceptance hinders them to choose the person they

love.

Conclusions

Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that blind people find

attraction in an individual based on the person’s maturity and personality such as being

kind and showing them care. On the other hand, their attachment is based on whom they

feel security with, their fellow blind.

Recommendations

Based on the findings revealed and conclusions drawn from the study, the

following recommendations are offered:

1. Future researchers may conduct intervention on the family of the blind people.

2. Future researchers may conduct a study regarding the attraction of blind people

with different types of blindness.

3. Future researchers may conduct a study regarding the attachment styles of blind

people.