An investigation of the relationship between mindfulness levels and self-perception and body image of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia

This research study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness and self-perception and body image of individuals with schizophrenia. 114 people with schizophrenia who were registered to the community mental health center between 18-65 age participated in the study. Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was used to assess the level of mindfulness of individuals. Body Weight, Image, and Self-Esteem Scale (B-WISE) was used to assess body weight, image, and self-perception. In conclusion, a mid-level positive correlation (r=0,400, p=0,001) was found between the level of mindfulness and body image and self-perception of individuals with schizophrenia. In order to determine the reason for the revealed significance between Mindfulness and B-WISE categories, bilateral correlations were examined between B-WISE subcategories classified as mild, moderate, and severe psychosocial adjustment. It made sense that the reason for this revealed significance was from individuals with severe psychosocial adjustment (p<0.05). There was no significant relationship between the level of mindfulness and body mass index of individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (p>0.05). It is under consideration to be substantial that include mindfulness, body image and self-perception based approaches to be carried out for individuals with schizophrenia in person-centered and holistic occupational therapy intervention programs. It would be beneficial to carry out further studies on the effects of mindfulness-based approaches in individuals with schizophrenia.