Body image dimensions and cancer: A heuristic cognitive behavioural model

Journal/Book: Psycho Oncol. 2000; 9: Baffins Lane Chichester, W Sussex PO19 1UD, England. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 183-192.

Abstract: The term body image has been associated with a multitude of definitions within psychosocial oncology. It is well known that cancer and cancer treatments often have a negative impact on appearance-related variables. A growing literature has emerged in recent years on the psychological aspects of changed appearance. This work has mainly addressed weight-related appearance and the psychology of eating disorders. A number of themes have emerged from this work. These themes have been strongly influenced by a cognitive behavioural perspective. There seems, however, to have been few attempts to integrate findings from such work with attempts to understand cancer-related appearance changes. This paper outlines some of the key developments within body image psychology and suggests a heuristic cognitive behavioural model that could be applied to the assessment, conceptualisation and treatment of body image disturbance among cancer patients.

Note: Article White CA, Univ Glasgow, Gartnavel Royal Hosp, Dept Psychol Med, 1055 Great Western Rd, Glasgow G12 0XH, Lanark, SCOTLAND

Keyword(s): ADJUVANT PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY; SELF-CONCEPT; IDEALS QUESTIONNAIRE; DISCREPANCY THEORY; BREAST-CANCER; ADJUSTMENT; DEPRESSION; SURVIVORS; DISTURBANCES; CHEMOTHERAPY

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