Exploring the influence of gender-role socialization and objectified body consciousness on body image disturbance in breast cancer survivors

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the relationships between gender-role socialization, objectified body consciousness and quality of life in breast cancer (BC) survivors with body image (BI) disturbance post-treatment. MethodsA total of 150 BC survivors participating in an ongoing randomized clinical trial of a group psychotherapy intervention for BI-related concerns completed a baseline battery of standardized measures including the following: Body Image Scale (BIS), Body Image after Breast Cancer Questionnaire (BIBCQ), Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS) measuring Body Shame and Surveillance, Gender-Role Socialization Scale (GRSS) measuring internalization of traditional gender roles and attitudes and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast Quality-of-Life Instrument (FACT-B). Correlational analyses were conducted between the two BI questionnaires, the two primary psychosocial variables GRSS and OBCS, and FACT-B. Path analysis was conducted on a proposed theoretical model delineating pathways between the two primary psychosocial variables and BI disturbance. ResultsSignificant positive correlations were found between the two BI scales and (a) GRSS (average r=0.53, p<0.000), (b) Body Shame (average r=0.53, p<0.000) and Surveillance (average r=0.48, p<0.000). The BIS and BIBCQ were negatively associated with the FACT-B (r=-0.62, -0.73, respectively; p<0.000). Results from the path analysis demonstrated support for the proposed model. ConclusionBreast cancer survivors who endorsed greater internalization of traditional gender roles and attitudes, who engaged in greater self-surveillance and experienced greater body shame, reported greater BI disturbance and poorer quality of life post-treatment. Women with these predispositions are likely to be more vulnerable for psychological distress and may experience poorer adjustment after BC treatment. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.