Psychological Adaptation and Body Image in Women with Breast Cancer—The Role of Coping Strategies and Femininity

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cris.lastimport.scopus2026-04-02T03:10:16Z
dc.abstract.enBackground: Breast cancer poses not only a physical health threat but also emotional and identity challenges for women, particularly regarding femininity and body image. Understanding how patients adapt psychologically can guide effective psychosocial interventions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate psychological adaptation, coping strategies, illness acceptance, and body image in women with breast cancer and identify factors associated with better adjustment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 women aged 22–66 undergoing treatment at the Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii, Poland. Standardized tools included the Mini-MAC scale (coping strategies), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Body Image Scale (BIS). Descriptive statistics and correlations were analyzed. Results: Most participants exhibited a constructive coping style, with positive redefinition and fighting spirit being predominant. Some women simultaneously showed elements of a destructive coping style, including helplessness and hopelessness, indicating complex emotional reactions. Overall, participants demonstrated high illness acceptance, despite notable body image-related discomfort, particularly shame, reduced perceived attractiveness, and appearance-related anxiety. While age did not correlate significantly with coping or body image, a significant negative association was found between age and illness acceptance, with younger women showing better adjustment. Conclusions: Psychological adaptation to breast cancer is multidimensional and individualized, dependent on personality traits, internal resources, and social support. Findings highlight the need for holistic, patient-centered psychosocial care, addressing both emotional adaptation and body image-related distress, including support for intimacy and prosthetic interventions. Individualized strategies can improve quality of life and functional outcomes during and after cancer treatment.
dc.affiliationInstytut Psychologii Wydział Psychologii w Warszawie • Katedra Psychologii Ekonomicznej i Biznesu
dc.affiliationWydział Psychologii w Warszawie
dc.contributor.authorFarnicka, Marzanna
dc.contributor.authorKolańska-Stronka, Magdalena
dc.contributor.authorSłowińska, Joanna
dc.contributor.authorPoręba-Chabros, Agata
dc.date.access2026-03-31
dc.date.accessioned2026-04-01T12:18:09Z
dc.date.available2026-04-01T12:18:09Z
dc.date.created2026-03-31
dc.date.issued2026-03-31
dc.description.abstract<jats:p>Background: Breast cancer poses not only a physical health threat but also significant emotional and identity challenges for women, particularly regarding femininity and body image. Understanding how patients adapt psychologically can guide effective psychosocial interventions. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate psychological adaptation, coping strategies, illness acceptance, and body image in women with breast cancer and identify factors associated with better adjustment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 women aged 22–66 undergoing treatment at the Wielkopolskie Centrum Onkologii, Poland. Standardized tools included the Mini-MAC scale (coping strategies), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), and Body Image Scale (BIS). Descriptive statistics and correlations were analyzed. Results: Most participants exhibited a constructive coping style, with positive redefinition and fighting spirit being predominant. Some women simultaneously showed elements of a destructive coping style, including helplessness and hopelessness, indicating complex emotional reactions. Overall, participants demonstrated high illness acceptance, despite notable body image-related discomfort, particularly shame, reduced perceived attractiveness, and appearance-related anxiety. While age did not correlate significantly with coping or body image, a significant negative association was found between age and illness acceptance, with younger women showing better adjustment. Conclusions: Psychological adaptation to breast cancer is multidimensional and individualized, dependent on personality traits, internal resources, and social support. Findings highlight the need for holistic, patient-centered psychosocial care, addressing both emotional adaptation and body image-related distress, including support for intimacy and prosthetic interventions. Individualized strategies can improve quality of life and functional outcomes during and after cancer treatment.</jats:p>
dc.description.accesstimeat_publication
dc.description.issue7
dc.description.physical1-13
dc.description.sdgGoodHealthAndWellBeing
dc.description.versionfinal_published
dc.description.volume15
dc.identifier.doi10.3390/jcm15072640
dc.identifier.issn2077-0383
dc.identifier.urihttps://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2282
dc.identifier.weblinkhttps://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/15/7/2640
dc.languageen
dc.pbn.affiliationpsychologia
dc.rightsCC-BY
dc.rights.questionYes_rights
dc.share.articleOPEN_JOURNAL
dc.subject.enbreast cancer
dc.subject.enbody image
dc.subject.encoping strategies
dc.subject.enintimacy
dc.subject.enillness acceptance
dc.subject.enpsychological adaptation
dc.subject.enpsycho-oncology
dc.swps.sciencecloudsend
dc.titlePsychological Adaptation and Body Image in Women with Breast Cancer—The Role of Coping Strategies and Femininity
dc.title.journalJournal of Clinical Medicine
dc.typeJournalArticle
dspace.entity.typeArticle