Exploring the influence of gender‐role socialization and objectified body consciousness on body image disturbance in breast cancer survivors. Issue 10 (20th March 2013) - Boquiren, Virginia M.
Abstract Objective This 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. Methods A 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. Results Significant 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. Conclusion Breast 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 © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.