Living with armor: A qualitative study of body image, social life, and brace experiences in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis
Journal of Pediatric Nursing, cilt.91, ss.609-616, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 91
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.08.061
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Pediatric Nursing
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.609-616
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Adolescent, Body image, Braces, Scoliosis, Social support
- Trakya Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of individuals diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis regarding body image, social life, and brace use. Design This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Settings and participants The study was carried out with 15 participants who attended the scoliosis outpatient clinic of a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Methods Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method. The COREQ checklist was used to guide the reporting of the findings. Results Four main themes were identified: (1) Changing Body, Fragile Emotions, (2) Under Observation: The Social Imprints of Scoliosis and Bracing, (3) Living with Armor, and (4) The Need for Connection: Strengthening through Support. The findings revealed that participants experience scoliosis and brace use as a multi-layered process in which physical, emotional, and social dimensions are closely intertwined. Practice implications The findings indicate that psychosocial needs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis care are closely related to emotional awareness and communication processes. In pediatric nursing practice, peer-based and communication-focused approaches may support individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis' adaptation and coping. Conclusions Participants experience disturbances in body image, concerns about social visibility, and physical–emotional strain associated with scoliosis and brace use. Over time, some participants come to perceive the brace as a protective and functional element, while seeking support plays a decisive role in their coping processes.