The model of the effect of mental health on social adjustment andphysical image of exceptional students in the era of Covid-19(With an emphasis on physical activity)

The purpose of this research was to model the effect of mental health on social adjustment and body image of exceptional students in Iran.

The study method of this research is descriptive and correlational using operational equations, in terms of practical purpose and collecting field information. The statistical population of this research is all exceptional students of the country (with special needs) in 6 groups of disabilities (deaf, blind, Physically disabled, multi-disabled, mentally retarded, autism) in have formed the secondary school, which the statistical share of students was 8500 of which 3300 were girls and 5200 were boys in the country in 2019 (exceptional education organization of the country) and the statistical sample size was 367 people, which was calculated using Morgan's table and The way to choose it was formed randomly. The instruments used in this research were Goldberg's mental health questionnaire (1972), Bell's social adjustment (1961) and Cash and Prozinski's body image (1990).

To analyze the data, variance analysis, multiple regression coefficient and operational equations were used to test the model. The results of the variance analysis confirmed the linear relationship between mental health and social adjustment and body image, and the results of the operational model test showed that in exceptional students with physical-motor disabilities, the effect of mental health on social adaptation and body image was significant.

Based on this, appropriate design and planning are recommended to improve the mental health of exceptional students through physical activity to improve their social adjustment and positive body image.