Comparing body image concern and self-esteem of adolescents with scoliosis with and without brace treatment and normal adolescents

The present study aimed to compare body image concern and self-esteem of adolescents with scoliosis with and without brace treatment and normal adolescents. A total of 237 adolescents (121 girls، 116 boys) aged 12 to 18 years were assigned into three groups: Adolescents with scoliosis who were under full time brace treatment for at least three months; adolescents with scoliosis who were not under brace treatment; and a group of normal adolescents. All participants were matched for sex and age. Participants completed two questionnaires measuring self-esteem: Rosenberg''s Self-esteem Scale (RSES) and Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI). Results showed that overall، adolescents suffering from scoliosis reported lower scores in self-esteem compared to normal adolescents and adolescents who were using brace reported significantly greater body image concern compared to the other groups. In the latter measure، there was no significant difference between normal adolescents and adolescents with scoliosis who were not under brace treatment. Sex differences in scores of self-esteem indicate that girls reported significantly lower self-esteem compared to boys. There were no significant sex differences in scores of body image concern. It is concluded that psychological factors play an important role in scoliosis and results are discussed in terms of the importance of brace wear in the prevention and treatment of scoliosis and the possible psychological effects this treatment may have on patients. In the light of the results of the present study it is suggested that future research should concentrate on designing psycho-educational intervention packages via more qualitative data gathering methods in order to provide psychological support for adolescent suffering from scoliosis.