Self-concept and self-esteem among children and young adults with visual impairment: A systematic review

The purpose of the study was to summarize current scientific knowledge relating to self-concept and self-esteem among children and young adolescents with visual impairment (VI). A systematic review was conducted of articles published between 1998 and 2016. A total of 26 publications, representing 15 countries, met the inclusion criteria, and 24 of the studies had used a cross-sectional design. Some studies found that the age and degree of vision loss influenced perceived self-esteem. In general, independence in mobility, parenting style, social support, and friendship was reported as important for children with VI to enhance their self-concept and self-esteem. To be able to provide opportunities for a successful development and good self-evaluation, we need more knowledge and further longitudinal observation studies and randomized clinical trials with high quality to increase the possibilities to draw conclusions about cause and effect.