The Relationship between Body Image Perception and Life Satisfaction in Individuals with Lower Extremity Amputation

Purpose: Purpose: The study was planned to investigate the relationship between body image perception and life satisfaction of adult individuals with lower limb amputation. Material and Methods: Fifty-seven (14 female, 43 male) individuals with lower limb amputation were included in the study. The participants' gender, age, body mass index, amputation duration and side were recorded. Participants’ life satisfaction statuses were assed by Satisfaction with Life Questionnaire (SWLQ) and body image perception were assessed by the "Amputee Body Image Scale" (ABIS). Results: The study included 29 right, 23 left, and 5 bilateral lower extremity amputee (mean age 39.15±11.95 years). Individuals had SWLQ mean score of 25.94±5.77, ABIS personal factor score of 22.78±4.62, ABIS-social factor score of 17.64±6.74, ABIS-functional factor score of 14.59 ± 10.67 and ABIS total score of 52.80±10.73. There were statistically significant negative correlations between SWLQ total score and ABIS-personal factor (p=0.012, r=-0.330), ABIS-social factor (p=0.003, r=-0.393), ABIS- functional factor (p= 0.044, r=-0.268) and ABIS-total score (p=0.001, r=-0.515). Discussion: Through the data obtained from study, significant relationship was found between the body image perception and life satisfaction. In amputee rehabilitation, it is thought that body perception must be emphasized in order to support the attachment and participation to life