SOCIAL INTERACTION AND SELF-CONCEPT AS CORRELATES OF SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG ADOLESCENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

Abstract

Social inclusion during adolescence is essential for healthy psychosocial development, yet adolescents with visual impairment often encounter barriers that limit interpersonal relationships and successful social adjustment. This study investigated social interaction and self-concept as correlates of social adjustment among adolescents with visual impairment in Ibadan Metropolis, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Seventy-five adolescents with visual impairment, comprising both totally blind and low-vision students, were purposively selected from special and inclusive educational settings. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire measuring social interaction, self-concept, and social adjustment. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product‑Moment Correlation, multiple regression analysis, and independent‑samples t-test were used for data analysis at the .05 level of significance. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between social interaction and social adjustment (r = .541, p < .001), whereas self-concept was not significantly related to social adjustment (r = .131, p = .263). Social interaction significantly predicted social adjustment (β = .545, p < .001), while self-concept did not make a significant unique contribution. The variables jointly explained 29.3% of the variance in social adjustment. Female adolescents demonstrated significantly higher social adjustment than males. The study concludes that meaningful social interaction is central to promoting social adjustment among adolescents with visual impairment.

Keywords: adolescents with visual impairment, social interaction, self-concept, social adjustment

Ethics and Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that ethical guidelines were followed throughout the research process. We make clear that the views and findings expressed in the study are solely those of the authors. The authors also declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding this study.

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