Perceptions about the body (or body image) can make or break a person, and the pressure is more intense among individuals with physical limitations.
In a society that idealises bodily characteristics such as having a physically fit body, people might consider physical disability a sensitive topic and avoid talking about it. By definition, physical disability is a condition where a person experiences significant loss in their body function or structure, resulting in physical limitations and restricted participation in life.
The negative societal attitudes of people towards disability can be a significant contributor to body image issues. People with physical disabilities are likely to have bodies that do not conform to society’s body ideals, as represented in the media. They have to face the reality of not meeting society’s standards, developing feelings of unattractiveness.
Societal attitudes about disability affect the development of body image. An environment that fosters acceptance leads to the acceptance of oneself. In contrast, negative feedback results in negative feelings about the body, creating a negative body image. People who fail to match these ideals may feel devalued, leading to emotional tension that is unpleasant and painful. It is hard for them to maintain a positive body image because of constant negative environmental feedback. They feel inferior, inadequate, and socially unacceptable, becoming at risk of developing impaired body image.
Body image is one’s mental representation of the body and is highly influenced by various historical, cultural, social, individual, and biological factors. It determines body esteem, and body esteem is the overall positive or negative evaluation of the body.
Body image issues have been a constant concern for all people and not only for individuals with disabilities. Individuals aim to succeed in life, and a pleasant appearance can help them achieve their goals in life. However, appearance and achievement as standards of success are not a good reference point for people with physical disabilities because of the lack of these socially admired qualities. Instead, they experience shame and self-hatred due to not measuring up to these social ideals. These negative messages are then internalised by the individuals, leading to negative body image. This is evident among individuals with a more severe physical disability, particularly those who need greater assistance with daily tasks.
These issues were more prominent among males with physical disabilities. Males are expected to be strong and independent, and having a physical disability threatens these expectations, affecting their body esteem. The loss of physical strength, a significant factor in a man’s sense of masculinity, lowers body esteem. On the other hand, body esteem issues are more acceptable for women. It is easier for them still conform to the feminine ideal. However, they experience poorer body esteem issues as they get older.
Negative societal attitudes lead to a negative body image, but not all people share a similar experience. One factor that buffers the effects of negative attitudes is the individuals’ acceptance of their bodies. Giving themselves time to adjust to the disability and supplementing it with positive feedback from supportive family and friends adds to the positive body image development. In addition, focusing on the positive aspect of the body and accepting features considered as less attractive can also increase positive body image. Accepting their less favourable features allows them to recognise that nobody is perfect and that even non-disabled people never achieve physical perfection.
The concept of disability is arguably considered a social construct instead of a biological concern, and society’s negative attitudes towards disability play a significant role in developing this negative perception. Though it may be difficult to change the perception of others towards disability, it is important to allow people with disabilities to process, adjust, and accept the disability to overcome negative body image. In doing so, they can set their own body image standard instead of meeting society’s unrealistic ideals.
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REFERENCES: Taleporos, G., & McCabe, M. P. (2002). Body image and physical disability—personal perspectives. Social science & medicine, 54(6), 971-980.
Taleporos, G., & McCabe, M. P. (2005). The relationship between the severity and duration of physical disability and body esteem. Psychology & Health, 20(5), 637-650.
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