A Comparison of Body Image between Individuals with Idiopathic Scoliosis and Healthy Individuals

Body image like other aspects of mental section is a part of our personality which has evolution procedure and is disturbed and weakened in situations such as obvious disfigurement. The aim of this study was to compare body image between individuals with idiopathic scoliosis and healthy ones. This study was descriptive – comparative. 54 subjects (mean age 18.1) with idiopathic scoliosis completed Mendelson Body Image Questionnaire. Then, a control group was compared with scoliosis group. The reliability of the questionnaire was 0.82 using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Scoliosis was diagnosed and measured by radiography. The collected data were analyzed by independent t test. The results showed a significant difference in body image between idiopathic scoliosis and healthy groups (P=0.01). Also, there was a significant difference in subscales of appearance satisfaction and attribution satisfaction between these two groups (P=0.03, P=0.00). There was no significant difference in weight subscale between these two groups (P= 0.17). Trunk deformity and secondary changes in shoulders and scapulas in those with idiopathic scoliosis may weaken their body image and may lead to some psychological impacts.