A study investigating the relationships between self-esteem and body-esteem in adult males and females undergoing limb reconstruction procedures

SummaryIndividuals undergoing limb reconstruction procedures undergo long periods of treatment that may be painful, disabling and affect the individual’s self-perception. The literature identifies that body-image and self-concept issues do impact the individual during the treatment trajectory. In particular the relationship between self-esteem and body-image has received attention and it is identified that a more positive view of the body is associated with a higher level of self-esteem. However, to date, no studies have been undertaken to examine these concepts in males and females independently. This study aims to address this shortfall in the literature.A population of clients (n = 60) undergoing limb reconstruction procedures within an inner city teaching hospital were included in the study and asked to complete the self-esteem scale [Rosenberg, M. (1965). Society and the Adolescent Self Image. Princeton University Press, Princeton] and the body-esteem scale [Franzoi, F.L., Shields, S.A. (1984). The body-esteem scale: multi-dimensional structure and sex differences in a college population. Journal of Personality Assessment 48 (1984) 173–178].The results demonstrated that:There is no significant difference between the scores of males and females for both self-esteem and body-esteem.There is a significant relationship between body-esteem and self-esteem in the group as a whole.Two out of the three factors associated with body-esteem in males correlate significantly with self-esteem.All factors associated with body-esteem in females correlate significantly with self-esteem.