This doctoral dissertation compares the self-concept of people with visual impairments with that of normally sighted individuals in 14 studies from various geographical regions in the United States. Discussion of methodological issues examines first, definitions regarding the self (self-image, self-perception, self-evaluation, self-esteem, self-concept); second, definitions of visual impairment (legal and educational definitions); third, instruments (the Student's Self-Assessment Inventory, the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale); and fourth, samples and procedures. The review of the literature evaluates individually each of 14 studies published between 1959 and 1996. The studies generally found no significant differences between the self-concepts of people with visual impairments and normally sighted individuals, although some studies did find such differences and others found differences related to gender or interventions. Suggestions for future research focus on the need for consistent and concise terminology. (Contains 29 references.) (DB)