Relations among Stigma, Quality of Life, Resilience, and Life Satisfaction in Individuals with Burn Injuries

Jack D Watson,Paul B Perrin

doi:10.3390/ebj3010012

Abstract

This study examined the relations among burn stigma, quality of life, resilience, and life satisfaction, hypothesizing that higher stigma and lower burn-related quality of life would lead to lower life satisfaction; however, resilience would moderate this relation. A sample of 89 participants was recruited from an outpatient clinic of a burn center in a critical care hospital. Participants completed a battery of measures assessing these constructs. Results suggested that burn stigma was associated with reduced life satisfaction after accounting for other variables. Multiple regression models found that burn stigma predicted both affect and body image but not interpersonal relationship quality or sexuality. Interpersonal relationship quality, sexuality, affect, and body image all predicted life satisfaction. Both affect and body image partially accounted for the relation between stigma and life satisfaction, and resilience accounted for the relation between stigma and affect. Findings reinforce previous literature that has shown a relationship between stigma and life satisfaction but also emphasizes the role of resilience and burn-related quality of life. Individuals who experience a burn injury may have innate resilience abilities, which allow them to bounce back from stressors; thus, resilience can be a targeted strength to bootstrap in order to improve adjustment outcomes.

Highlights

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Resilience moderated the relation between stigma and affect, reducing the Theofcurrent relations among stigma, negative effect stigma study on life examined satisfactionthe through affect at high levelsburn-related of resilience.quality

Summary

Introduction

Non-fatal burn injuries are a leading cause of morbidity [1], with over. Stigma is defined as the “prejudice and discrimination that results from endorsing negative stereotypes about people” with a burn injury [9]. Families of individuals with burn injuries often reported feelings of fear, shame, and guilt which may manifest through various stigmatizing verbalizations and behaviors [10]. Individuals with burn injuries may be stared at or ridiculed [11]. Individuals with facial/neck burns or amputations as a result of a burn injury are at increased risk for experiencing stigma [4]. While the effects of stigma for individuals with burn injury have not been well investigated, research has shown that stigma may lead to worse psychological well-being [12]. Research on the effects of stigma for various other forms of injury or disability is telling, linking stigma to reduced life satisfaction [13], reduced daily activity [14], and lack of belonging [15]

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Discussion

Conclusion