Graduation Year

2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)

Abstract

Body image poses a significant issue for breast cancer patients and survivors. While a wide array of research has been done examining the effect of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on body image, little research has focused on creating interventions specifically for body image among this population. This paper reviews the literature that shows how breast cancer can affect a woman’s body image, including several cultural considerations as body image ideals vary between cultures. Furthermore, the literature shows breast cancer affects young women (typically defined as aged 35 years or less) differently than it does middle-aged and older women. Thus, there is a section regarding young women’s unique treatment needs and presenting issues. There is a brief discussion about assessing body image among breast cancer patients, as the Body Image Scale (BIS) was the most frequently used measure in the literature. Lastly, this author reviews several interventions that have been done to treat body image among breast cancer patients and survivors and makes suggestions for future directions of treatment.

Faculty Mentor

Michael McClellan, Ph.D.

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Melinda Moore, Ph.D.

Department Affiliation

Psychology

Committee Member

Dustin Wygant, Ph.D.

Department Affiliation

Psychology

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