Social Media And Personal Factors As Correlates Of Social Adjustment Among Persons With Visual Impairment In Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Social adjustment plays a vital role in the well-being of persons with visual impairment, shaping their ability to interact, engage in social activities, and live independently. Factors such as age, gender, and the onset of visual impairment can influence social experiences, while modern tools like social media may also play a role in fostering social connections. This study investigates social media and personal factors as correlates of social adjustment of persons with visual impairment in Lagos State. Using a survey research design, the study sampled 100 individuals with visual impairment, including 67 males and 33 females. Data were gathered through a validated questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation alongside inferential statistics, including Pearson Product Moment Correlation and multiple regression analysis, using SPSS version 25.0. The findings revealed that social media use had a positive and significant relationship with social adjustment (r = 0.450, p < 0.05), suggesting that engaging online can help persons with visual impairment connect and adapt socially. In contrast, personal factors such as age, gender, and onset of impairment showed a negative but non-significant relationship with social adjustment (r = −0.035, p > 0.05). Regression analysis further showed that while both social media and personal factors jointly explained 44.6% of the variance in social adjustment, only social media made a significant relative contribution (β = 0.677, p < 0.05), whereas personal factors did not. The study highlights the importance of social media as a tool for promoting social adjustment, recommending improved accessibility, digital literacy programs, and policies that support inclusive online participation for persons with visual impairment. Personal factors alone, however, appear insufficient to significantly influence social adjustment.

Christianah Oluwaferanmi Oyekola; Sunday Abimbola Abodunrin, Ph.D.; Omowumi Sharon Ayandokun, M.Ed & Fortune Ibiyekaribo Wadike, Ph.D. Social Media And Personal Factors As Correlates Of Social Adjustment Among Persons With Visual Impairment In Lagos State, Nigeria. Ibadan Journal of Educational Studies, 23(2), 56-66.