The Relative Contribution of Social Stigma and Body Image Disorder to Fear of Ridicule (Gelotophobia) among Physically Disabled Adolescents

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor of Mental Health Faculty of Education for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo.

Abstract

The research aimed to identify the relative contribution of social stigma and body image disorder to fear of ridicule (gelotophobia) among physically disabled adolescents. A total of 257 adolescents with physical disabilities participated in the research. Scales of Social Stigma, Body Image Disorder, and Fear of Ridicule (developed by the researcher) were utilized. The results revealed high levels of social stigma, body image disorder, and fear of ridicule among the participants. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between fear of ridicule and both social stigma and body image disorder. Furthermore, there are four dimensions that contribute to predicting ridicule in a physically disabled adolescents: excessive concern about body image, feelings of inferiority, negative body image perception, and perceived negative discrimination. Additionally, there are four dimensions that contribute to a lack of self-confidence in physically disabled adolescents: feelings of inferiority, feelings of social rejection, excessive concern about body image, and perceived negative discrimination. Furthermore, five dimensions contribute to the overall degree of fear of ridicule in physically disabled adolescents: feelings of inferiority, excessive concern about body image, negative body image perception, compulsive behaviors, and perceived negative discrimination.

Keywords

References

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