The effects of cognitive behavioral counseling on body image alterations in women undergone mastectomy

Simin Fadaei, Mojgan Janighorban, Tayebe Mehrabi, A Ahmadi, Fariborz Mokarian, Abbas Gookizadeh

Abstract


Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women throughout the world and for most women, mastectomy results in loss of part of body that is viewed as essential in maintaining femininity, attractiveness and self-esteem. In order to prevent impaired body image, one should accept the changes of her body shape. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of counseling on mean body image score in women undergone mastectomy.

Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 72 women undergone mastectomy who referred to an oncology and radiotherapy center in Isfahan were selected by convenient sampling method. The experimental group (n=32) participated in six sessions of counseling. Data were collected using questionnaires and statistical analysis was performed by the paired and independent t tests using SPSS software.

Results: The results indicated a significant difference between mean body image scores before and after counseling in experimental group (P<0.001). Also, a significant difference was seen in mean body image scores after counseling between experimental and control groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion: According to these results, psychotherapeutic treatment especially cognitive behavioral counseling in group setting are recommended

Keywords


Breast cancer, mastectomy, body image, psychosocial intervention, counseling

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