A study investigating the relationships between self-esteem and body-esteem in adult males and females undergoing limb reconstruction procedures

Summary 

Individuals undergoing limb reconstruction procedures undergo long periods of treatment that may be painful, disabling and affect the individual’s self-perception. The literature identifies that body-image and self-concept issues do impact the individual during the treatment trajectory. In particular the relationship between self-esteem and body-image has received attention and it is identified that a more positive view of the body is associated with a higher level of self-esteem. However, to date, no studies have been undertaken to examine these concepts in males and females independently. This study aims to address this shortfall in the literature.

A population of clients (n=60) undergoing limb reconstruction procedures within an inner city teaching hospital were included in the study and asked to complete the self-esteem scale [Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the Adolescent Self Image. Princeton University Press, Princeton] and the body-esteem scale [Franzoi, F.L., Shields, S.A. (1984). The body-esteem scale: multi-dimensional structure and sex differences in a college population. Journal of Personality Assessment 48 (1984) 173–178].

The results demonstrated that:

There is no significant difference between the scores of males and females for both self-esteem and body-esteem.

There is a significant relationship between body-esteem and self-esteem in the group as a whole.

Two out of the three factors associated with body-esteem in males correlate significantly with self-esteem.

All factors associated with body-esteem in females correlate significantly with self-esteem.

Keywords: Limb reconstruction, Body-image, Self-esteem