Body image is a multifaceted concept, incorporating a number of dynamics. Many researchers believe that body image is developed through internalizing social appraisals (Pruzinsky & Cash, 2002-b; Cash & Fleming, 2002; Carlson Jones, 2004, Polivy, Herman, & Pliner, 1990). The internalization of social appraisals and their evaluation can lead to positive or negative body image. Those with positive body image are often more physically attractive, place less value on their relation to the ideal body, and possess more social confidence (Carlson Jones, 2004; Cash & Fleming, 2002). Individuals with negative body image, however, are often dissatisfied with their bodies, feel less attractive, and exhibit more social inhibition and anxiety (Cash & Fleming, 2002). Research on self-esteem appears to parallel body image research, in that self-esteem is also related to the appraisals of others (Rosenberg, 1965). Some studies of body image have found that body esteem is correlated with global self-esteem (Smolak, 2002). It appears that body image is most affected during adolescence. Boys and girls, in becoming men and women, are confronted with changing hormones, developing bodies, and transitions in schools. Females, in particular, are challenged with pubertal weight gains, due to the development of breasts and hips. This transition may worsen any previously existing psychological vulnerabilities, particularly poor body image (Levin & Smolak, 2002). Should any physical abnormalities be experienced in adolescence, their effect on body image can be amplified. Research on acne has found that those with acne tend to have lower self-esteem and poorer body image than those without acne (Papadopulos, Walker, Aitken, & Bor, 2000; Barone, 1996). Another condition that may be diagnosed in adolescence is scoliosis, a deformity of the spine. This abnormality can be seen on one�s body not only through the obvious curvature of the spine, but also through asymmetry of shoulder blades and hips, as well as a �rib hump,� or a protrusion of the ribs on the side opposite of the scoliotic curve that results from the rotation of the spine and accommodating push of the ribs (Sapountzi-Krepia, et al., 2001). Such deformities, along with poor posture, are the visible indicators of scoliosis. Rigo (2003) noted that these visible deformities can create embarrassment for the scoliotic patient. The most common treatment, bracing, often brings further discomfort and inhibition, as the brace�s bulkiness is visible in clothing and it tends to limit physical activity (Reichel & Schanz, 2003). Given that the adolescent body image is a fragile composition of self-perception and other-awareness developed during a time of changing body shapes and hormones, a physical abnormality can have detrimental impact. Although all adolescents incur difficulties in developing positive body esteem, those with scoliosis may have more impediments in this quest than adolescents without this deformity. This study seeks to find a relationship between the diagnosis of scoliosis and one�s body image and self-esteem. Research on this particular condition�s psychological ramifications has been quite limited. Should a relationship be found between body image and scoliosis, the treatment of scoliosis can be modified to include psychological interventions. With the implementation of these interventions, adolescents who have been diagnosed with scoliosis may have a better chance to weather this difficult time without having their body image negatively impacted for life. References |
| Introduction to the Study on Body Image and Scoliosis This is the introduction to my dissertation proposal |
 |