Abstract

This study, through a descriptive research design, investigated emotional intelligence and self-efficacy as predictors of self-esteem among adolescents with visual impairment. A simple random sampling technique was used to select sixty two (62) participants from five (5) integrated secondary schools in three (3) randomly selected local governments in the five (5) South East states of Nigeria. Three instruments were used: BarOn emotional quotient inventory: Youth version (BarOn EQI-YV) (Alpha coefficient; .77 - .89.), General self-efficacy scale (Alpha coefficient; 0.76 - 0.90) and Rosenberg self-esteem scale (Alpha coefficient; 0.72-0.87). Three hypotheses were raised and answered at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearson’s Product Moment correlation. The joint effect of the independent variables (emotional intelligence and self-efficacy) to the prediction of self-esteem was significant (F(101.332) = .880 R2 = .775; P < .05). There was a significant positive relationship between self-efficacy and self-esteem among the respondents (r = .720*, N= 62, p<.05). It was concluded that high emotional intelligence and high self-efficacy would lead to the development of positive self-esteem in adolescents with visual impairment. It was recommended, among others, that school counsellors and teachers should enlighten adolescents with visual impairments in schools on the importance of developing high self-esteem (achieving academic and other important set goals in life).