Revista de Psicologia da IMED
On-line version ISSN 2175-5027
Abstract
SA, Gisele Silva and PINHEIRO-CAROZZO, Nádia Prazeres. Body Image and Social Skills in patients with breast cancer. Rev. Psicol. IMED [online]. 2018, vol.10, n.1, pp.37-55. ISSN 2175-5027. https://doi.org/10.18256/2175-5027.2018.v10i1.2493.
Treatment for breast cancer can generate negative self-assessments of female body image, resulting in impairments in interpersonal and affective-sexual relationships. An elaborate repertoire of social skills serves as a protective factor in favor of coping with stressors triggered by treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the perception of body image and repertoire of social skills (SS) of women with breast cancer. A descriptive and correlational research was carried out. Seventy women under treatment in public institutions in Maranhão answered, voluntarily and anonymously, to three instruments: Individual Characterization Protocol, Body Estimate Scale and Social Skills Inventory. Data, analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical analyzes, indicate that the sample has a good repertoire of SS; neutral feelings regarding his body image, except in the sexuality factor, where it presented average negative feelings; and a positive and significant correlation (r = 0.238, p <0.05) between "coping and self-assertion facing risk factors" and "sexuality". The data did not support previous studies that indicate the impairment of the body image of these patients. However, they reinforce national evidence that a good repertoire of SS works as a protective factor for dissatisfaction and low body esteem.
Keywords : body image; social skills; breast cancer.