A pilot study examining correlates of body image among women living with SCI

Abstract

Study design: Cross-sectional pilot study. Objectives: To explore correlates of body image among women with spinal cord injury (SCI), within the framework of Cash's cognitive behavioral model of body image. Setting: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Methods: Women with SCI (N ¼ 11, 64% with tetraplegia) reported their functional and appearance body image (Adult Body Satisfaction Questionnaire). A 3-day recall of leisure time physical activity (LTPA), three measures of body composition (that is, weight, waist circumference, body fat) and several demographic variables were assessed as potential correlates. Results: Appearance satisfaction was negatively correlated with all three measures of body composition and positively correlated with years postinjury. Functional satisfaction was positively correlated with years postinjury, and negatively correlated with various LTPA variables. Conclusion: Functional and appearance body image may improve with time following SCI. Body composition may impact satisfaction with physical appearance for some women. The negative relationship between LTPA and functional satisfaction merits further examination, as functional dissatisfaction may motivate individuals to engage in certain types and intensities of LTPA. Correlates of body image differ between appearance and functional satisfaction. Future research should examine appearance and functional satisfaction separately among women with SCI.

Body Image in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury During Inpatient Rehabilitation

“…This finding corroborates earlier studies in the chronic phase, which shows, that over time, people with SCI seem to adjust to their changed bodies. 3,4,15,27 Our hypothesis that Alienation and Harmony would be associated with demographic variables was only partly confirmed. Associations between Alienation and Harmony and the injuryrelated variables were stronger.…”

“…4,10,12,13 Other studies suggest that the satisfaction with the body improves over the years after SCI. 3,12,15 The age at injury does not seem to have any influence. 11 Some studies found that the satisfaction with appearance after SCI was not different from a reference group.…”

“…2 Influenced by both physical and psychological aspects, changes can occur in the person's body image after SCI. [3][4][5] According to the cognitive behavioral perspective, 6 body image refers to the multifaceted psychological experience of embodiment, especially but not exclusively one's physical appearance. It encompasses one's body-related self-perceptions and self-attitudes, including thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviors.…”

“…8 Most of the studies into body image of people with SCI focus on physical characteristics and/or physical activity. 3,4,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15] From these studies it becomes clear that SCI has consequences for the way people with SCI perceive oneself and interact with their surroundings, including potential partners. 4,10,12,13 Other studies suggest that the satisfaction with the body improves over the years after SCI.…”

“…[19][20][21] Also in studies with SCI, body image seems one of the factors contributing to QoL. 3,9,12,22 Although some of the former studies in SCI suggest a relationship between body image and emotional aspects of adjustment to SCI, 4,9,10,22 none examined this relationship explicitly. To our knowledge, there are no studies investigating body image during the inpatient rehabilitation phase, nor are there any studies about the possible influence of body image on the experienced distress of people with SCI.…”