Psychological Resilience as a Protective Factor for the Body Image in Post-Mastectomy Women with Breast Cancer.

Bernadetta Izydorczyk,Anna Kwapniewska,Katarzyna Sitnik-Warchulska,Sebastian Lizinczyk

doi:10.3390/ijerph15061181

Abstract

European statistics confirm a rise in breast cancer among contemporary women. Those suffering from cancer and undergoing a surgery (mastectomy) are undoubtedly considered to be in difficult situations. The range of the numerous negative and/or positive emotions, thoughts, and behaviours depend on many psychological factors such as psychological resilience. The authors are currently drawing a report on their own studies where they are trying to determine factors that protect body image resilience in women suffering from breast cancer after mastectomies. The research group consisted of 120 women after a short (up to 2 years) or a long (over 2 years) duration having elapsed since their mastectomy. The results of the research groups show that psychological resilience is a significant protecting factor for the body image that prevents the excessive development of negative self-esteem in post-mastectomy women. Female patients ought to be provided aid in the short time immediately after the procedure and afterwards, when they are less capable of tolerating negative emotions. In order to significantly improve the general body image resilience to emotional and cognitive distortions in post-mastectomy women who experienced breast cancer, it is recommended that psychological interventions (from psychoeducation to psychological assistance and specialist psychotherapy) are conducted systematically throughout the course of treatment.

Highlights

The research confirms a significant growth in breast cancer incidence among the contemporary female population [1]
In the course of a comparative analysis of the means, the results indicate the presence of significant differences between women, up to 2 years after a mastectomy and women, over 2 years after a mastectomy in general psychological resilience, which proved to be significantly higher in clinical group 1
The results of the statistical analysis in our study suggest higher psychological resilience and greater capacity to bounce back from difficult situations in a short period of time elapsed since the mastectomy

Summary

Introduction

The research confirms a significant growth in breast cancer incidence among the contemporary female population [1]. In the case of breast cancer in a female, she can experience a state of deprivation of her basic emotional needs ( the need for a sense of security, a sense of having an impact on the course of one’s own life). This psychological stress is a significant element of the absence of mental wellbeing and exerts a negative impact on the course and the effectiveness of the patient’s treatment. It has been noted that symptoms of arousal, avoidance, and intrusion similar to the characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may occur

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Conclusion