title: "It's all about acceptance": A qualitative study exploring a model of positive body image for people with spinal cord injury.
abstract: Using modified constructivist grounded theory, the purpose of the present study was to explore positive body image experiences in people with spinal cord injury. Nine participants (five women, four men) varying in age (21-63 years), type of injury (C3-T7; complete and incomplete), and years post-injury (4-36 years) were recruited. The following main categories were found: body acceptance, body appreciation and gratitude, social support, functional gains, independence, media literacy, broadly conceptualizing beauty, inner positivity influencing outer demeanour, finding others who have a positive body image, unconditional acceptance from others, religion/spirituality, listening to and taking care of the body, managing secondary complications, minimizing pain, and respect. Interestingly, there was consistency in positive body image characteristics reported in this study with those found in previous research, demonstrating universality of positive body image. However, unique characteristics (e.g., resilience, functional gains, independence) were also reported demonstrating the importance of exploring positive body image in diverse groups.
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, Canada. Electronic address: aly.bailey@brocku.ca.
authors.forename: K Alysse
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, Canada.
authors.forename: Kimberley L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Gammage
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, Canada.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van Ingen
authors.affiliation: Department of Kinesiology, Brock University, Canada.
authors.forename: David S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Ditor
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Physical disability; Positive body image; Psychological health; Qualitative; Quality-of-life; Self-concept