The impact of individual characteristics in self-esteem and locus of control of young adults with visual impairments

• The impact of visual impairments in self-esteem and LOC of young adults were examined.
• Predictor of self-esteem and LOC was severity of visual impairment.
• Predictors of self-esteem were education, age at onset, and recency of vision loss.
• Predictor of LOC was the ability to move independent.

In this study the impact of personal/individual characteristics (gender, vision status, age, age at loss of sight, recency of vision loss, education level, employment status, and ability of independent movement) in locus of control (LOC) and self-esteem were examined. Eighty-four young adults with visual impairments (42 with blindness and 42 with low vision) took part in this study. The significant predictors of self-esteem were vision status, age at loss of sight, recency of vision loss and educational level. Moreover, significant predictors of LOC were vision status and independent movement.