Changes in Body Image Secondary to Disease and Injury

Abstract

This article describes the relationship between body image and self-concept, discusses responses to changes in body image secondary to disease and injury, and explores strategies for adjustment to alterations in body image. Sociopsychological aspects of body image form a complex framework by which an individual understands the self and perceives how he or she is understood by others. As body image, self-concept, identity, and ego are closely associated, a loss of or alteration in any one of these factors can have deleterious effects on the entire self. Rehabilitation professionals assume an important role in helping people adjust to and accept alterations in body image by facilitating the grieving process; addressing loss, anxiety, and depression; and empowering individuals to emphasize and use their assets.

Relation between self-image score of SRS-22 with deformity measures in female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients

“…Self-image is a conceptual image, a part of the self-concept, and it involves attitudes, experiences pertaining to the body, abilities, and issues of physical power as well as notions about masculinity and femininity [3]. Organic diseases that affect the body structure can alter the self-image and reactions to such alterations are influenced by patterns of development as well as by family and cultural attitudes.…”

A pilot study exploring the relationship between trauma symptoms and appearance concerns following burns

“…In the context of appearance being important and disfigurement or visible difference being stigmatised in many societies [9], this can lead to appearance concerns [10][11][12]. Appearance concerns have often been explained using cognitive-behavioural theory with distress being maintained by negative appraisals about the self and others' perceptions, unhelpful avoidance and safety-seeking behaviours and negative social interactions [13][14][15][16][17]. In line with a cognitive-behavioural framework, the general consensus within the broader literature of disfigurement is that it is the appraisal of the change in appearance that is important in determining appearance concerns rather than the objective features of the difference itself, such as the size of the injury or location of the injury on the body [16,18].…”

An examination of the relationships between body-image, self-esteem and behaviour in adult clients undergoing limb reconstruction procedures

“…First of all it may influence other aspects of the self-concept. Drench (1994) cited by Sims et al (1999) identify that a damaged body image can significantly affect a person's whole identity, and in terms of physical appearance Dewing (1997) notes how the reactions of others can lead to a reduction in an individual's level of self-esteem. A review by Limb (2003) identified the theoretical relationship between the body and the self-concept and started to consider how these may be affected by the use of external fixation.…”