의수족 속성이 절단 장애인의 인상과 신체이미지에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Along with an improved environment for developing prosthetic limbs, the scope of prosthetic limb use has been widening and its exterior appearances are becoming more diverse. However, despite the importance of their exterior appearance for the purpose of socializing, research regarding the development of prosthetics to have an aesthetic function is very sparse. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore the attributes of prosthetics that are affected by the attitudes of observers and users of prosthetic limbs. The study was conducted in three stages. First, to learn about the different attributes of prosthetics, we searched for photos of prosthetics posted since 2012 on Google and collected 61 photos. The collected photos were then grouped by experts according to the attributes of the prosthetics (practicality, aesthetic, physical similarity). Second, to determine the relationship between the attributes of each prosthetic and amputees’ impression of them, a survey was conducted for non-disabled people. Third, another survey was conducted for disabled people to identify the relationship between their attitudes toward prosthetic attributes and their body image. As a result, this research identifies that the attitude of observers and wearers toward the utility has no effect on personal impression and body image. However, the attitudes of observers and wearers toward the aesthetic impression of prosthetic limbs show a positive effect on their impressions of body image. Furthermore, the attitude of observers toward the physical similarity of prosthetic limbs to non-prosthetic limbs shows a positive effect, whereas the attitude of wearers towards this physical similarity had no impact on body image. The aesthetics of prosthetics are interpreted as important in the development of prosthetic limbs. This research could be helpful for the future development of prosthetic limbs, taking into account the perspectives of both observers and wearers and demonstrating their attitudes toward prosthetic appearance.