Image corporelle et cancer: une analyse psychosociale

Abstract

We carried out two studies with the aim of elucidating, from a psychosocial point of view, the place of body image in the experience of cancer. The first study involved the use of a questionnaire with patients (N = 42) from the medical oncology unit of the « la Timone » University Hospital. The questionnaire included the Body Image Questionnaire, the Social Self-Esteem Inventory, the QLQ-C30 and some questions about negative consequences and practices concerning the body. The second study consisted of a lexicographical analysis of the content of discussions between patients attending body image self-help groups. The results of the two studies emphasize the complexity of peoples’ relationships with their bodies. Body practices (masking body modifications, maintenance) were primarily female. Body satisfaction, social self-esteem and level of preoccupation with appearance did not differ according to the sex of the patients. Links between some dimensions of quality of life (physical, emotional, cognitive and social) and body satisfaction were only observed for women. Analysis of discussions within the self-help groups showed that the topic of body image was of only minor significance. The role of these groups appeared to be rather that of developing a group identity. This work highlights the complex nature of issues associated with body image in the context of cancer and the impact of social dimensions on these experiences — in particular the important role played by gender.