Abstract
Objectives: The research aimed to shed light on the influence of appearance schemas and verbal commentary on body image among physically handicapped individuals, and also aimed to challenge deep-seated biases and dismantle societal stereotypes targeting individuals with physical handicaps.
Methods: In this correlational study, 107 physically handicapped individuals participated. Participants were chosen through convenience sampling from different hospitals in Sialkot and Daska, aged between 18 and 52 years, in 2024. The participants were assessed using the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (Cash & Labarge, 1996; Cash, Melnyk et al., 2004), the Verbal Commentary on Physical Appearance Scale (Sylvia Herbozo & Thompson, 2006), the Body Image State Scale (Thomas et al., 2002), a Demographic form, and a Consent form.
Results: Appearance schemas were negatively correlated with verbal commentary and body image. Furthermore, commentary was positively correlated with body image. Linear regression analysis revealed that verbal commentary was a significant predictor of body image. T-test analysis showed that no gender differences were found in appearance schemas, verbal commentary, and body image, but significant differences were found between married and unmarried physically handicapped individuals. ANOVA test showed significant differences in verbal commentary and body image concerning the age of physically handicapped, and significant differences in commentary between employed and unemployed physically handicapped.
Discussion: The findings were discussed in the context of previous empirical evidence.
Keywords: Physical Appearance, Body Image, Verbal Commentary, Physically Handicapped