The Relationship Between Body Image and Psychological Well-Being with Post-traumatic Growth in Women with Breast Cancer and a History of Mastectomy

Abstract

Background: Despite the challenging nature of cancer, research has indicated that the battle against this illness can lead to positive transformations following diagnosis and treatment, a phenomenon known as post-traumatic growth. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the association between body image and mental well-being and post-traumatic growth among women who have undergone breast cancer treatment and mastectomy surgery. Methods: Employing a correlational research design, this study sampled 276 participants, focusing on married women in Tehran who have experienced mastectomy. The instruments used included McKinley and Hyde's Body Image Scale (1996), the Ryff Scale of Psychological Well-Being 1989 (RSPWB-18), and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) by Tedeschi. Results: Data analysis was conducted using Pearson's correlation test and multivariate regression analysis. The findings revealed a significant association between psychological well-being and post-traumatic growth in women (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of incorporating an understanding of the relationship between these variables into the development of educational and psychological interventions, integrating them with treatment plans for patients post-breast cancer surgery.