Body Image and Quality of Life in Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Associations and Socio-Demographic Differences

Body image (BI) is an important psychosocial aspect of well-being; however, its relationship with quality of life (QoL) among adults with cerebral palsy (CP) remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the association between BI and QoL across specific QoL domains, and to investigate whether BI and QoL differ according to selected socio-demographic characteristics among adults with CP. A cross-sectional study included 30 adults with CP aged 21-50 years. Participants completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Body Image Quality of Life Inventory (BIQLI) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Given partial departures from normality, the small sample size, and the ordinal nature of the response scales, non-parametric statistical analyses were applied. The results showed that BI was significantly associated with the following specific QoL domains: Mental Health, Vitality and Social Functioning, whereas it was not significantly associated with Physical Functioning, General Health, Bodily Pain, or role limitations due to physical and emotional problems. BI was also weakly associated with overall QoL. Regarding socio-demographic characteristics, no significant differences in BI or QoL were identified according to gender. Significant age-related differences were observed in Physical Functioning and Bodily Pain, with the oldest group (41-50 years) reporting poorer physical functioning and more bodily pain than the younger groups. Being in a romantic relationship was associated with better Mental Health and Social Functioning, while employed participants reported more positive BI, better Mental Health, and greater Vitality. These findings highlight the importance of integrating BI into comprehensive rehabilitation and psychosocial interventions aimed at improving QoL in adults with CP. Future longitudinal mixed-methods studies with larger, more diverse samples are needed to further elucidate the complex relationships between BI and QoL and to inform the development of evidence-based interventions aimed at improving the well-being of adults with CP.