Living with armor: A qualitative study of body image, social life, and brace experiences in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of individuals diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis regarding body image, social life, and brace use. DESIGN: This study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS: The study was carried out with 15 participants who attended the scoliosis outpatient clinic of a Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. METHODS: Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step phenomenological analysis method. The COREQ checklist was used to guide the reporting of the findings. RESULTS: Four main themes were identified: (1) Changing Body, Fragile Emotions, (2) Under Observation: The Social Imprints of Scoliosis and Bracing, (3) Living with Armor, and (4) The Need for Connection: Strengthening through Support. The findings revealed that participants experience scoliosis and brace use as a multi-layered process in which physical, emotional, and social dimensions are closely intertwined. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The findings indicate that psychosocial needs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis care are closely related to emotional awareness and communication processes. In pediatric nursing practice, peer-based and communication-focused approaches may support individuals with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis' adaptation and coping. CONCLUSIONS: Participants experience disturbances in body image, concerns about social visibility, and physical-emotional strain associated with scoliosis and brace use. Over time, some participants come to perceive the brace as a protective and functional element, while seeking support plays a decisive role in their coping processes.