Abstract

RODRIGUEZ LOYOLA, Yomarie  and  ROSSELLO GONZALEZ, Jeanette. Reconstruyendo un cuerpo: implicaciones psicosociales en la corporalidad femenina del cáncer de mamas. Rev. Puertorriq. Psicol. [online]. 2007, vol.18, pp. 118-145. ISSN 1946-2026.

There are very few programs available in Puerto Rico that deal with the emotions of breast cancer patients, particularíy taking into consideration that breast cancer is the leading cause of death by cancer in Puerto Rican women. The social role assigned to women in our society presents several considerations that have to be taken into account that could complícate the way women deal with this disease. These women frequently have internalized the standards of feminine beauty that are emphasized by society. The purpose of this article is to provide a view at the body image of three Puerto Rican breast cancer survivors. The body image that these women have of themselves and their relationship with the standards of feminine beauty idealized by Puerto Rican culture will be discussed. The results reveal that these women show dissatisfaction with regards to their body image, fear of rejection and abandonment, a need for social approval, low self-esteem, and sexual difficulties that relate to the way that they perceive their body.

Keywords : Body image; Femininity; Breast cancer; Emotions.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )