Research Article

THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Volume: 7 Number: 2 June 26, 2026
TR EN

THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the relationship between individuals' level of body awareness and their perception towards individuals with disabilities. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 250 volunteers aged 18-35 living in Kırklareli participated. Data were collected online using a Demographic Data Form, the Perception Towards Disabled Individuals Scale (PTDIS), and the Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ). Relationships were examined using Spearman's correlation analysis, and predictive effects on PTDIS were tested using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: An increase in BAQ scores was found to be positively and significantly, albeit weakly, correlated with an increase in PTDIS scores (r = .209, p < .001). Regression analysis revealed that BAQ (β = .289, p < .001) and age (β = -.194, p = .003) were significant predictors of PTDIS, with the model explaining 9.6% of the total variance [F(3,246)=8.733, p<.001]. Direct contact (e.g., sharing the same household) and educational experiences were observed to exhibit stronger associations with scores on both scales. Conclusion: While body awareness is a factor that positively influences the perception of individuals with disabilities, its effect is limited. Direct contact and structured educational experiences play a more determinant role in the development of positive perceptions.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

NONE

Ethical Statement

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Scientific Research Ethics Committee of Kırklareli University with approval number E-35523585-199-159746 dated May 7, 2025.

Thanks

I would like to thank Clinical Psychologist Murat ÖZÜBERK for his valuable contributions to the discussion section.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Public Health (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

June 26, 2026

Submission Date

November 13, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 12, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 2

APA
Özüberk, B. (2026). THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi, 7(2), 56-65. https://doi.org/10.70813/ssd.1822363
AMA
1.Özüberk B. THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi. 2026;7(2):56-65. doi:10.70813/ssd.1822363
Chicago
Özüberk, Burcu. 2026. “THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES”. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi 7 (2): 56-65. https://doi.org/10.70813/ssd.1822363.
EndNote
Özüberk B (June 1, 2026) THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi 7 2 56–65.
IEEE
[1]B. Özüberk, “THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES”, Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 56–65, June 2026, doi: 10.70813/ssd.1822363.
ISNAD
Özüberk, Burcu. “THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES”. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi 7/2 (June 1, 2026): 56-65. https://doi.org/10.70813/ssd.1822363.
JAMA
1.Özüberk B. THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi. 2026;7:56–65.
MLA
Özüberk, Burcu. “THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES”. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi, vol. 7, no. 2, June 2026, pp. 56-65, doi:10.70813/ssd.1822363.
Vancouver
1.Burcu Özüberk. THE EFFECT OF BODY AWARENESS LEVEL ON PERCEPTION OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. Selçuk Sağlık Dergisi. 2026 Jun. 1;7(2):56-65. doi:10.70813/ssd.1822363