AI Insight
This mixed-methods study of 253 intestinal stoma patients found that greater body image disturbance was significantly associated with lower post-traumatic growth, even after controlling for demographic and clinical factors. Qualitative interviews with 10 patients revealed that acceptance of bodily changes occurred gradually over time and was central to psychological adaptation following stoma surgery. The research demonstrates that body image concerns represent a critical component of psychological adjustment in this patient population.
Why it matters
The findings suggest that healthcare providers should routinely assess and address body image concerns as part of comprehensive stoma care, rather than focusing solely on physical complications. Supporting patients through the process of accepting bodily changes may facilitate positive psychological adaptation and growth after this life-altering surgery.
Understand the Science
BackgroundIntestinal stoma surgery is widely performed to restore bowel function in patients with severe intestinal diseases. However, the creation of a stoma often results in substantial changes in body image and may challenge patients’ self-identity, psychological wellbeing, and adaptation to daily life. Although previous studies have mainly focused on psychological distress associated with body image concerns, how body image disturbance relates to positive psychological adaptation, particularly post-traumatic growth (PTG), among individuals living with an intestinal stoma remains insufficiently understood.MethodsAn explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was adopted, with quantitative analysis conducted first and qualitative interviews used to further explain the findings. A total of 253 patients with an intestinal stoma were recruited, and 10 participants were purposively selected for semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were collected using the Body Image Scale (BIS) and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and analyzed using correlation and hierarchical regression analyses. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsBody image disturbance was significantly and negatively associated with PTG (r = −0.598, p < 0.001) and remained significantly associated with PTG after adjustment for demographic and clinical characteristics (β = −0.585, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings indicated that patients commonly described body-related distress during the early postoperative period and retrospectively described a gradual process of accepting bodily changes, self-acceptance, and psychological adaptation. Integrated findings indicated that adaptation to bodily changes represents an important aspect of psychological adjustment after stoma surgery.ConclusionBody image disturbance is significantly associated with post-traumatic growth among patients with an intestinal stoma. The findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing body image disturbance and supporting psychological adaptation as part of comprehensive stoma care. Future longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the temporal relationship between body image adaptation and psychological growth.