Authors: Ndje Ndje Mireille, NUNG Nadège FOJE.
We are living in a society in which people will value you, respect you and accept you in relation to your appearance. So many handicaps especially amputees are not often given that chance to show their worth and are most of the times neglected in the society. These persons are at times discriminated, and have barriers that restrict them from participating in social activities such as, to move freely, to vote, to participate in sports and other cultural activities, to enjoy social protection. As a result of their amputation, their body image has been tempered with but how ever some amputees manage to have a positive self-esteem despite their body image. To better understand this topic we carried out a semi-directive interview with four adult with lower limb amputation all in the CNRPH Etoug-ebe Yaoundé. All this amputees have a positive self-esteem as was tested by a Rosenberg self-esteem scale. We use the content and the thematic analyses for the interpretation of result of our data collected. From the interpretation of result of our study, we came to the conclusion that lower limb amputees can still maintain a positive self-esteem despite their body image with the help of some social resilience factors which include prosthesis, employment, rehabilitation, reintegration, psychological support, love and support from family and friends. It is very important for any person to try to have a positive self-esteem as self-esteem is an important factor to mental health. People with positive self-esteem turn to experience more happiness, optimism and motivation.
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