NURSING APPROACH TO PROMOTINGPSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONGMOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH BODYIMAGE DISTURBANCES

Abstract

Mothers of children experiencing body image disturbances face complex psychological challenges that extend beyond the child's condition itself. Body image disturbances may arise from congenital anomalies, chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, burns, visible scars, obesity, or other conditions that alter a child's physical appearance. In many cases, mothers assume the primary caregiving role and are responsible not only for the child's physical needs but also for providing emotional support while coping with social stigma, family expectations, financial burdens, and uncertainty about the child's future. These cumulative stressors frequently contribute to increased levels of anxiety, emotional distress, caregiver burden, depressive symptoms, and reduced psychological well-being.

Psychological well-being is a multidimensional concept encompassing emotional stability, positive interpersonal relationships, self-acceptance, resilience, autonomy, environmental mastery, and a sense of purpose in life. When mothers experience prolonged psychological distress, their caregiving capacity may decline, potentially affecting parent–child interactions, family functioning, adherence to treatment, and the child's psychosocial adjustment. Therefore, interventions that promote maternal psychological well-being have implications not only for the mother but also for the overall health and development of the child