Work

The relationship between body image, age, and distress in women facing breast cancer surgery

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Research suggests that the strength of the relationship between body image and emotional distress decreases with age. Past research has focused on expected aging-related body changes, and has not yet examined unexpected body changes (e.g., breast cancer surgery). The present post-hoc study assessed relationships between age, body image, and emotional distress in women facing breast cancer surgery. METHODS: Older (≥ 65 years, n = 40) and younger (<65 years, n = 40) women were matched on race/ethnicity, marital status, and surgery type. Within one week prior to surgery, participants completed measures of demographics, aspects of body image, and emotional distress (general and surgery-specific). RESULTS: Results indicated that: (1) body image did not differ by age (p > 0.999); (2) older women reported less pre-surgical emotional distress than younger women (p's < 0.01); and, (3) age moderated the relationship between body image and emotional distress (p's < 0.06). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: The results suggest that younger women, particularly those with poor body image, are at an increased risk for pre-surgical emotional distress. These women may benefit from pre-surgical interventions designed to improve body image or to reduce pre-surgical emotional distress.

Source: Palliative & Supportive Care

DOI: 10.1017/s1478951513000321

Authors: Sarah J. Miller, Julie B. Schnur, Sarah L. Weinberger-Litman, Guy H. Montgomery

Institutions: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Marymount Manhattan College

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, National Cancer Institute