Body image, Self-Compassion and Psychological Adjustment Survey
Breasts have been a symbol of femininity and sexuality since civilization began, so it is not surprising that having breast cancer is not just an attack on your body but also your body image and self-esteem. Research confirms just how important a patient’s feelings about physical appearance are to self-esteem and how changes to the body can bring on social isolation, anxiety and depression. Some cancer patients become so uncomfortable with scars or weight gain that they avoid being seen by other people or looking at themselves in the mirror, as a 2012 study in Psycho-Oncology found among young breast cancer patients. Some women see breast cancer as an assault on their sense of femininity and wholeness; both of which play an important part in self-esteem. It’s a difficult adjustment, and one that few doctors address.
Susan O’Flanagan is currently studying for a Doctorate in Psychology and is conducting a study examining the relationship between body image, self-compassion and psychological adjustment among women with a diagnosis of breast cancer. She is interested in learning about your experience and is currently recruiting for the study. Taking part in this research will involve completing a questionnaire, which will take about 30/40minutes to complete. The questionnaire is completed anonymously and all your information is kept confidential.
How to take part in this study
If you are a female over 18 years of age, with a diagnosis of breast cancer for 6 months or more, please follow this link to complete the survey.
I shared this post on my Facebook page where I am connected to a large number of friends with breast cancer. At the seasoned age of 72, diagnosed in 2008, I had grown accustomed to and accepted the changes in my body that comes with aging and never felt the lost of outer beauty related to my sexuality and femininity. Thank you for sharing this post. I would be very interested in seeing the results of the survey.
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Thanks so much Yvonne. I appreciate you sharing this and your comment. I’ll be sure to report back when research is complete, though that may take a while.
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Surprised that ethics didn’t require that the PI list an email address or phone number. There is no way on the initial consent form to actually contact the researcher …
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That’s an important point Rebecca – I’ll revert to her on this.
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Thank you, Marie. I plan to take the survey now. I know several women whose marriages broke up directly or indirectly because of the loss of breasts, with or without reconstruction, though the spouse without cancer would never admit it. xx
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