Perceptions of Body Image in Subjects with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This article reports on a study of the perceived body image of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the relationship between body image and the severity of physical disability. Second and Jourard's Body-Cathexis Scale and Self-Cathexis Scale were used to measure satisfaction or dissatisfaction each person had with his body and self. Kurtzke's Status Disability Scale was used to determine each person's degree of physical disability. The sample consisted of 20 male veterans between 34 and 70 years of age (mean 47.6), who had MS for 7 to 44 years (mean 20.8) and a physical disability score of two to nine (mean 4.65). On the Body-Cathexis Scale, 55% (N = 11) were satisfied and 45% (N = 9) were dissatisfied with their bodies. Whereas on the Self-Cathexis Scale, 45% (N = 9) were satisfied and 55% (N = 11) were dissatisfied with self. Seven subjects (35%) were satisfied with both body and self and seven (35%) were dissatisfied with body and self. Subjects who were satisfied with body and self were older (mean 50.43 years), had MS longer (mean 22.57 years) and were more disabled (mean score 5.0). Implications for further nursing research are identified.