The Effect of Body Image on Mental Health with The Mediating Role of Social Acceptance in People with Visual Impairment

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of body image on mental health with the mediating role of social acceptance among individuals with visual impairment. This applied, descriptive-correlational, quantitative study included all official members of the Iranian Blind Association (14,523 people). Using simple random sampling and the Cochrane formula, 374 participants were selected. Data were collected via standard questionnaires: the Body Image Questionnaire by McKinley and Hyde (1996), the General Health Questionnaire by Goldberg and Williams (1988), and the Social Desirability Scale by Crowne and Marlow (1960). Content and construct validity and reliability through Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and McDonald’s omega were confirmed. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics and structural equation modeling using SPSS-27 and SmartPLS 3.3. Results indicated that body image had a significant positive effect on mental health (0.731) and social acceptance (0.764). Social acceptance directly improved mental health (0.741). The total effect of body image on mental health increased when mediated by social acceptance (1.297). Enhancing body image and strengthening social acceptance can significantly improve the mental health of individuals with visual impairment. These findings highlight the importance of designing educational and psychological interventions to promote positive body perception and supportive social contexts for this population.