Imagem corporal: o corpo belo no imaginário de pessoas com deficiência visual

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify dissatisfaction with body image in individuals born blind and with acquired blindness. For this, we used a methodological design based on a quantitative and qualitative approach. 45 subjects with visual impairment participated in the quantitative study, of both sexes and ages between 18 and 69 years. It was used to collect data on the dissatisfaction related to body image, the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). The questionnaires were read by the researcher. Of the visually impaired, 24.4% showed some dissatisfaction with body image. The mean value for the results of the BSQ was 2.13. Among individuals with acquired blindness, the average was 2.15, while 1.96 was the average of the congenitally blind. These data showed no statistically significant differences. 15 subjects born blind and with acquired blindness, of both sexes and ages between 27 and 50 years participated in the qualitative study. A semi-structured interview script to capture the speech of the social actors was used. The speeches were analyzed according to the methodology proposed by Eni Orlandi (1988, 1993, and 1996). In addition, a field diary was used to record the meetings. It was found that the blind had lower levels of body dissatisfaction when compared with subjects with vision and there is a possible tendency that those with acquired blindness have acquired greater dissatisfaction with body image than the congenitally blind. One concludes that the blind build their body image and the others from values that exceed the dimension of aesthetics and relate to issues such as education, intelligence and sensitivity