Body image and life satisfaction in neuromuscular disease: The role of psychological flexibility

This study examined the relationships between body satisfaction, psychological flexibility, and life satisfaction in individuals with neuromuscular diseases (NMD), and whether life satisfaction differs by gender, marital status, education, and association membership. Using a correlational design, 88 participants (43 women, 45 men; aged 18-76) with confirmed NMD completed online measures including demographic information, disability, body satisfaction, psychological flexibility, and life satisfaction scales. Results showed that life satisfaction did not differ significantly by gender or marital status. However, individuals with higher education and association membership reported greater life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was positively correlated with both body satisfaction and psychological flexibility. Mediation analysis revealed that psychological flexibility significantly mediated the relationship between body satisfaction and life satisfaction. These findings suggest that psychological flexibility plays a key role in how body satisfaction affects life satisfaction, and interventions such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may help enhance well-being in individuals with NMD.