The Mediating Role of Mental Toughness in the Relationship between Mindfulness and Body Image Concern in Amputees

Body image is one of the most important aspects of individual mental health. People with limb amputation may face various problems related to body image. Therefore, this study aimed to develop the structural relations between mindfulness and body image concerns in individuals with amputations with the mediating role of Mental Toughness.

This study was a descriptive-correlational study with structural equation modeling. The statistical population of this research was made up of amputees who referred to the comprehensive rehabilitation center of the Red Crescent Society of Tehran between April and October of 2022, and 260 people were selected by purposive sampling. To collect data, Littleton's Body Image Concern questionnaire, Baer's Five Facet Mindfulness questionnaire, and Clough's Mental Toughness questionnaire were used.

Our findings showed that the research model has a good fit and the causal model of the relationship between mindfulness, mental Toughness, and body image concern in people with amputations. Furthermore, mindfulness and mental toughness have a direct effect on body image concerns. Moreover, mindfulness has an indirect effect on body image concerns through mental toughness.

Our results indicate the importance of the role of mindfulness and mental toughness in body image concerns of people with amputations. Implementation of programs to improve mindfulness and mental toughness in people with amputation can lead to a reduction in their body image concerns.