Body image issues and self-concept dilemmas in adolescents living with thalassemia

Title

Body image issues and self-concept dilemmas in adolescents living with thalassemia

Creator

Dhawan M.; N. T S.; Kakkar S.

Description

Thalassemia, a genetic blood disorder, involves an inability to produce sufficient hemoglobin and comprises two types: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Beta thalassemias immediate treatment measures include frequent blood transmissions, stem cell and bone marrow transplants; all capable of altering an individuals idea of body image, self-concept, growth, and socialization, resulting in several emotional, psychological, and behavioral concerns. This study aimed at comprehending the dilemmas of body image and self-concept encountered by adolescents with thalassemia, particularly the resulting influence on physical development and socialization. Using the phenomenological interpretivism approach of qualitative research, data was collected using purposive-convenient sampling from 11 adolescents, both boys and girls ranging from ages 12 to 18, living with thalassemia and undergoing treatment. The research highlights adolescent concerns with body image, specifically with complexion, facial features, being either underweight or overweight, all amalgamating into a self-concept dilemma. Moreover, results point to the significant influence of experiences with family, peers, educational institutions, and hospital staff. Therapeutic attention, through regular screening and counselling, should be provided to adolescent thalassemia patients to address the psychological aspects of the chronic illness. 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source

Psychology, Health and Medicine, Vol-27, No. 3, pp. 598-612.

Date

2022-01-01

Publisher

Routledge

Subject

adolescents; body image; self-concept dilemma; Thalassemia

Coverage

Dhawan M., Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, India; N. T S., Department of Psychology, CHRIST (Deemed to Be University), Bengaluru, India; Kakkar S., Department of Pediatrics, Dayanand Meidcal College and Hospital, Ludhiana, India

Rights

Restricted Access

Relation

ISSN: 13548506; PubMed ID: 33784896; CODEN: PHMEF

Format

Online

Language

English

Type

Article

Identifier

https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2021.1903050

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85103594793&doi=10.1080%2f13548506.2021.1903050&partnerID=40&md5=61f963ed42b8e9ee138e9c2ea0fef06f