Self-concept of adults with visual impairments

Self-concept scores of 38 adults, 19 with visual impairments and 19 matched controls, were tested using the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS). The participants were students enrolled in a mainstreamed university setting. This allowed for an examination of how being different and being competent impact the development of self-concept. It was hypothesized that because the participants with visual impairments were functioning in a mainstreamed setting, they might obtain less positive self-concept scores than their matched controls. Such a prediction stemmed from previous theoretical arguments (Tuttle, 1984) which put emphasis on perceived difference from immediate social surroundings as a factor in negative self-concept. This research hypothesis was not substantiated. Results are interpreted as potential evidence that a negative self-concept might not be among the common outcomes of living with a visual impairment.