Article

PURPOSE: This narrative explores the lived experience of a young woman, Rebecca,
and her transitioned body image after sustaining and being treated for a spinal
cord injury. METHOD: Data were collected from a single semi-structured in-depth
interview. RESULTS: Rebecca disclosed her transitioned body image experiences
after sustaining a spinal cord injury and being treated by medical staff
immediately following her injury. Before her injury, she described a holistic
body experience and named this experience her "temple".
During intensive care in
the hospital, she explained her body was treated as an object. The disconnected
treatment of her body led to a loss of the private self, as she described her
sacred body being stripped away - her "temple" lost and in ruins. CONCLUSIONS:
Body image may be an overlooked component of health following a spinal cord
injury. This narrative emphasizes the importance of unveiling body image
experiences after the treatment of a spinal cord injury to medical professionals.
Lessons of the importance of considering the transitioned body experiences after
a spinal cord injury may help prevent body-related depression and other
subsequent health impacts. Recommendations for best practice are provided.
Implications for Rehabilitation Spinal Cord Injury * A spinal cord injury may
drastically change a person's body image, thereby significantly impacting
psychological health * More effective screening for body image within the
medical/rehabilitation context is needed to help practitioners recognize distress
* Practitioners should be prepared to refer clients to distress hotlines they may
need once released from treatment.

Langue : ANGLAIS