Psychological Health of Burn Survivors: Influence of Burn Scar Severity, Body Image Dissatisfaction, and Self-Esteem

The current study examined impact of burn scars severity on psychological health of burn survivors with mediating role of body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem. For sample, purposive sampling technique was used including individuals from hospitals, burn centers, online sources (Instagram and Facebook) and domestic settings. Sample comprised of N=82 burn survivors aged 15 and above (M=33.99, SD=15.60). For assessment, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), The Satisfaction with Appearance Scale and The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. Statistical analyses included Correlation, Regression and Mediation. Results indicated that Burn Scar Severity had significant positive relationship with Body Image dissatisfaction and significant negative relationship with psychological health. Body image dissatisfaction was shown to have significant negative relationship with self-esteem and self-esteem had significant negative relationship with psychological health. Through regression analysis, body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem appeared as significant predictors of psychological health. Mediation analysis through Process Macro indicated Body image dissatisfaction and self-esteem significantly serially mediated the relationship between burn scar severity and psychological health of burn survivors. The current study provided insight of how burn scar severity influences the psychological health of burn survivors and provided future implications to take precautionary measures so that burn survivors do not fall victim to psychological problems.