A cross-sectional comparative study of self-compassion, body perception, and post-traumatic growth in women diagnosed with breast cancer versus those without a cancer diagnosis
Şervan Kaplan, Kader Bahayi, Haydeh Faraji- Cancer Research
- Oncology (nursing)
- Drug Guides
- Oncology
Background:
The diagnosis of breast cancer is a traumatic experience that might have a psychological impact on patients. Studies have revealed that self-compassion is significantly related to body image and post-traumatic growth.
Objectives:
We aimed to compare the relationship between self-compassion, post-traumatic growth, and body image between healthy individuals and patients with breast cancer.
Materials and Methods:
This study was designed as a causal-comparative model and was conducted between May 8, 2022, and June 15, 2022, via open social media platforms. We enrolled women aged 18-65 years who resided in Mersin, Türkiye. Our cohort consisted of women with breast cancer and a control group of healthy women who had not been diagnosed with breast cancer. We used the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Cathexis Scale, and sociodemographic data forms for collecting information from participants.
Results:
We enrolled 174 participants; 80 patients with breast cancer, and 94 healthy controls. Self-compassion showed a higher prediction for post-traumatic growth in the group of patients with breast cancer (
Conclusions:
Self-compassion is an internal resource that can aid women in adjusting to the physical and psychological changes resulting from cancer or any kind of traumatic experience. Furthermore, self-compassion can be a solution for body dissatisfaction.