Male body image following acquired brain injury.
The purpose of this study was to investigate body image concerns and psycho-emotional health in males with acquired brain injury (ABI). Using a between subjects study of 25 males with ABI and 25 matched controls, variables were analysed using correlations and 2 x 2 analyses of variance (ANOVAs) with head injury and injury type as independent variables. Body image and psycho-emotional health were evaluated using self-report questionnaires. Disability and cognitive impairment were measured using a mixture of self-report, cognitive testing and clinical notes. Results indicated that males with ABI had significantly lower self-esteem and body dissatisfaction on a number of items relating to physical and sexual functioning. There were significant differences in body image between stroke and TBI, but there was no corresponding relationship with psycho-emotional health. These body image differences might be explained by age. The finding that ABI has a negative effect on body image and that this relates to psycho-emotional health should be investigated further, perhaps being included in future rehabilitation strategies.
Howes
Hannah
H
Department of Psychology, University of Wales, Swansea, Wales, UK. braininjuryresearch@swan.ac.uk
Edwards
Stephen
S
Benton
David
D
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004644:Emotions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology