Body Image Concerns and Psychological Wellbeing among Injured Combat Veterans with Scars and Limb Loss: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

A narrative literature review aimed to determine the nature and prevalence of body image and psychosocial concerns and associated support needs among veterans with combat-related appearance-altering injuries. A systematic approach to a narrative review included searching published and gray literature between September 2018 and January 2019 and again in November 2019. Four hundred and twenty-seven papers were retrieved and judged against the eligibility criteria. Four papers were considered eligible and relevant and included in the review. Limited research investigating body image and psychosocial concerns among combat veterans with an altered appearance exists. The four papers indicate that combat injured veterans may experience body image distress and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and social anxiety. Military culture may enable resilience. Additional research is required to determine the scope and nature of the psychosocial impact of appearance-altering injuries among combat injured veterans. Further research should identify support gaps and inform the development of evidence-based interventions where needed.

Keywords:

• Body image
• military veterans
• combat veterans
• combat injury
• burns
• limb loss
• scars
• physical scarring
• disfigurement
• resilience

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the Scar Free Foundation for funding the Understanding Needs and Interventions for the Treatment of Scarring (UNITS) study, within which this literature review was conducted. UNITS study is being conducted as part of the Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research. The Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research is funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR Funds.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).