Differences In Self-Concept Among Low Vision Learners And Those Who Are Totally Blind In Primary Schools, Kenya

Abstract

Self-concept is one of the most popular ideas in psychological literature. Unfortunately self-concept is also illusive and often poorly defined construct. Terms such as self-concept, self-esteem, self-worth, self-acceptance are often used interchangeably and inconsistently, when they may relate to different ideas about how people view themselves. The Purpose of this study was to determine if learners with low vision had a higher self-concept than those who were totally blind.The population of the study was 291 visually impaired pupils. A sample of 262 respondents was drawn from the population by stratified random sampling technique based on their visual acuity. (189 partially sighted and 73totally blind). One instrument was used in this study: Pupils’ self-concept. Data analysis was done at p≤0.05 level of significance. The data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) structure. The study established that there was indeed a difference in self-concept among visually impaired pupils in Kenya. The study therefore recommended that the lower self concept observed among totally blind pupils should be enhanced by giving counseling and early intervention to those group of pupils with a view to helping them accept their disability.