Multisensory constructions of beauty: a quantitative study of aesthetic perception and cosmetic accessibility among individuals with visual impairment

Beauty perception is a multidimensional experience influenced by sensory, interpersonal, and cultural factors. However, empirical evidence on beauty perception and cosmetic accessibility among individuals with visual impairment in India remains limited. This study examined differences in beauty perception according to age, gender, and degree of visual impairment and investigated the association between socioeconomic status and cosmetic accessibility. A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted involving 120 participants with visual impairment recruited from a Government School for the Blind, Blind Home, Mannarpuram, and inclusive schools in Tiruchirappalli district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising the Beauty Perception Scale, Cosmetic Accessibility Scale, and Barriers and Awareness Indicators. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), independent-samples t-test, and chi-square analysis. The findings revealed no statistically significant differences in beauty perception across age groups, gender, or degree of visual impairment. No statistically significant association was found between socioeconomic status and cosmetic accessibility. These findings provide empirical insights into beauty perception and cosmetic accessibility among individuals with visual impairment and highlight the importance of incorporating accessibility and multisensory perspectives into inclusive cosmetic design and aesthetic experiences.