Individual’s experiences of adjusting to changes in body image after spinal cord injury: a literature review and thematic synthesis

Abstract

Purpose

To understand how individuals experience and adjust to changes in body image after spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

A systematic search using four databases identified eleven articles that met the inclusion criteria. The studies were critically appraised to determine quality. Interpretative thematic synthesis was used to explore adults’ experiences of adjusting to changes in body image after SCI.

Results

Three themes described the influence of sociocultural factors on body image: ‘Sociocultural influences’, ‘Responses of others’ and ‘Experience of rehabilitation’. Six themes described individuals’ experiences of body image. ‘Loss and threat of difference’, ‘Discomfort and disconnection’ and ‘Resistance’ negatively influenced body image. ‘Reconnecting with the body and re-negotiating identity’, ‘Support network’ and ‘Challenging beliefs about disability’ promoted positive body image. Adjustment was a dynamic process, influenced by interactions between individual, relational and sociocultural factors.

Conclusions

The physical impacts of SCI, individual’s perceptions, relationships and sociocultural discourses influenced body image. Rehabilitation professionals could support adjustment to changes in body image by considering individual, relational and systemic influences. Furthermore, it is important to include an individual’s support network within their care as social factors influenced body image experiences. Peer support could promote hope and challenge negative sociocultural beliefs about disability.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

• Following spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals described a dynamic process of adjustment to changes in their body image, which can include positive and negative body image experiences.

• Rehabilitation environments and interactions with clinicians can influence individuals’ body image experiences.

• Multidisciplinary interventions which consider sociocultural, relational and individual influences on body image may promote positive body image experiences and the renegotiation of identity after SCI.

Keywords:

• Spinal cord injury
• body image
• adjustment
• qualitative
• thematic synthesis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s). The research was completed in fulfilment of the requirements of Staffordshire University for the degree of Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, no funding or grants supported this work.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.