This study investigated the influence of expressed emotion and body image on depression among amputees in Makurdi Metropolis, Nigeria. The study was guided by Cognitive Theory of Depression, Body Image Theory, and Expressed Emotion Theory. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. Participants comprised 107 amputees aged 18–44 years receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, and Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Level of Expressed Emotion Scale (LEE), Amputee Body Image Scale (ABIS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Multiple and sample linear regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses. Findings showed that expressed emotion significantly influenced depression among amputees, with the overall model accounting for 69.4% of the variance in depression, R = .833, R² = .694, F(4,98) = 53.189, p < .01. Hostility emerged as a significant positive predictor of depression, while intrusiveness approached significance. Body image also significantly influenced depression, R = .321, R² = .103, F(1,93) = 10.600, p < .01, indicating that body image disturbance accounted for 10.3% of the variance in depression. The findings demonstrate that family emotional climate and body-image experiences are important psychosocial factors associated with depression among amputees. The study therefore highlights the need for integrated psychological, family, and rehabilitation interventions to support emotional adjustment and improve the wellbeing of individuals living with amputation.

Keywords: Expressed Emotion, Body Image, Depression, Amputees.