Jezz Fox

Body image and prosthesis satisfaction in the lower limb amputee

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between prosthesis satisfaction and body image in lower limb prosthesis users, and the gendered variations within these relationships. Method: A total of 44 valid responses were obtained to an internet survey regarding prosthesis satisfaction, body image and phantom pain. Spearman Rho correlations were calculated for these three domains. Results: Moderate to high negative correlations were observed between body image disturbance and prosthesis satisfaction. These were consistent across genders. Other relationships were also revealed, including positive correlations between prosthesis satisfaction with hours of use and negative correlations between prosthesis satisfaction and pain experience, although strong differences between genders were observed for these. The length of time for which respondents had had their prosthesis bore little relation to other variables. Conclusion: The present research is instructive of the close relationship between body image and prosthesis satisfaction, as well as gender variations in these relationships, in lower-limb prosthesis users. These findings have implications for targeted service provision in prosthetic rehabilitation.

Who helps? Supporting people who self-harm

This paper presents findings from a survey in which self-harmers were asked to indicate who they had consulted for help in the past and their level of satisfaction with these various sources of professional help. A total of 243 valid responses to an internet-based survey were obtained from users of electronic mailing groups. The survey included questions about who they had approached for help, how satisfied they were with that help and other information relating to the practice of self-harm. Medical personnel were rated as providing the most unsatisfactory support, while self-harm specialists were rated as providing the most satisfactory support. Respondents were more likely to self-harm at night, and the act of self-harm reduced anxiety, depression and confusion. Suggestions for effective intervention are considered in relation to literature on attitudes and behaviours towards self-harmers by health professionals and the need for re-education is emphasised.

Why do people self-harm?

The accuracy of perceptions about self-harm that are presented in the psychological and psychiatric literature was assessed with a sample of self-harmers. A list of 20 statements containing ten myths and ten accurate statements about self-harm behaviour was incorporated into an internet-based questionnaire. Respondents (n = 243) rated their extent of agreement with each statement. Factor analysis confirmed the a priori classification of statements as being accurate. Only one item, regarding the relationship of self-harm to previous sexual abuse, did not confirm a priori classification; this statement was considered by self-harmers to be an accurate perception of self-harm. It was concluded that this questionnaire could be a useful aid for group-work training with professionals who are involved in working with people who engage in self-harm.

Do Internet self-harm discussion groups alleviate or exacerbate self-harming behaviour?

Abstract The Internet has proved a popular medium for persons with a variety of health-related complaints to provide one another with information and mutual support. However, although there are currently hundreds of Internet discussion groups dedicated to the issue of self-harm, there is disagreement as to whether these groups exacerbate or help alleviate self-harming behaviour. The present study sought to explore possible positive and negative aspects of membership of a self-harm discussion group. Members of one self-harm discussion group (n=102) completed a web-based questionnaire. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents viewed the discussion group as having positive effects, with many respondents reducing the frequency and severity of their self-harming behaviour as a consequence of group membership. Future work needs to address how typical the present findings are for Internet self-harm groups in general, and whether these groups are of any more (or less) benefit than current self-harm support groups that meet face-to-face.

The out-of-body experience and body image: Differences between experients and nonexperients

The present study sought to examine various aspects of body image for persons reporting a previous out-of-body experience (OBE). A total of 64 people took part in the study, 34 of whom had had an OBE. Participants reporting a previous OBE were found to score significantly higher on measures of body dissatisfaction, social physique anxiety, and somatoform dissociation, and lower on a measure of physical self-presentation. OBE experients also reported lower levels of body awareness during use of an immersive virtual reality system than nonexperients.

An Internet survey of adolescent self-injurers

Abstract This paper reports an Internet survey of adolescent self-injurers (n=128, mean age 16.7 years). Details regarding personal information, types of self injury engaged in, behavioural history associated with respondent’s self-injury, romantic relationships, emotions in relation to self-injury, life events, and consultation with health professionals were collected and data were analysed descriptively. This survey reveals a picture of the adolescent self-injurer as someone who is usually female, often with a history of sexual and/or physical abuse and an eating disorder. ‘She’ tends to cut her arms and legs on a daily or weekly basis, and usually hides her self-injury from others. Respondents indicated that the practice of self-injury helped to reduce anxiety, confusion, and depression. Implications for advancing preventative approaches to mental health are discussed.