The Role of Body Image in Explaining the Life Satisfaction, Life Expectancy, and Mental Health of People with Physical and Mobility Impairment

Considering the role of physical image in the quality of life, the present study aimed to investigate the role of body image in explaining the life satisfaction, life expectancy, and mental health of people with physical and mobility impairment. In this descriptive correlational study, the population comprised all individuals with physical and mobility impairment in Shahrood, Iran, in 2017. A sample of 111 individuals was selected using convenience sampling, and multidimensional questionnaires on the relationship with the body, satisfaction with life, life expectancy, and general health were administered. Correlation analysis showed that body image is directly related to the physical image of individuals with physical and mobility impairment (p≤0.01), and there is a relationship between physical image with life expectancy and mental health in these individuals (p≤0.01). Moreover, it was found that physical image can predict life satisfaction (R2=0.21), life expectancy (R2=0.25), and mental health (R2=0.19). It can be concluded that the physical image of individuals with physical and mobility impairment plays a crucial role in predicting positive psychological variables such as life expectancy, life satisfaction, and mental health.