About this Research Topic
Body Image (BI) is defined as the mental representation of one’s body and its related perceptions. As a multi-faceted construct, it involves individuals' emotions and attitudes toward the own body. In the oncological field particularly, body dissatisfaction is positively associated with depression, anxiety, and a low self-esteem, leading to unhealthy behaviors. At the same time, a positive BI promotes treatment adherence, better social health, and positive emotions.
Literature showed the relevance of the body and its internal sensations to address arousal modulation and emotion regulation. Furthermore, social support plays an essential role in sustaining a positive BI by decreasing shame and emotional issues, which is relevant for cancer patients and survivors to promote psychological well-being and active engagement in self-care behaviors.
There is a clear need to deepen the understanding of BI and its relationship with cancer, as well as to promote the early prevention of BI-related issues from diagnosis to survivorship. Literature suggests the effectiveness of mixed-method interventions to promote healthy BI, since the helpful role of physical activity, relaxation, and supportive social support.
Much of the literature has focused on exploring BI in eating disorders; however, breast cancer patients and survivors’ attitudes and behaviors toward the body have not been deeply researched yet. It is paramount to explore BI interventions and the role of other related constructs in cancer patients and survivors.
This Research Topic aims to gather all research that studies BI in cancer patients and survivors, and its associations with cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. It also intends to deepen the role of interoceptive sensations, emotional arousal and regulation, and bodily awareness in BI issues and its behavioral consequences on BI perception and social relationships.
Research at all stages of the oncological disease are accepted, from the time of diagnosis to survivorship. Moreover, the present Research Topic is interested to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical interventions to promote a positive BI. Original quantitative or qualitative research, systematic reviews, as well as case reports that could extend the knowledge in this field are welcome.
Literature showed the relevance of the body and its internal sensations to address arousal modulation and emotion regulation. Furthermore, social support plays an essential role in sustaining a positive BI by decreasing shame and emotional issues, which is relevant for cancer patients and survivors to promote psychological well-being and active engagement in self-care behaviors.
There is a clear need to deepen the understanding of BI and its relationship with cancer, as well as to promote the early prevention of BI-related issues from diagnosis to survivorship. Literature suggests the effectiveness of mixed-method interventions to promote healthy BI, since the helpful role of physical activity, relaxation, and supportive social support.
Much of the literature has focused on exploring BI in eating disorders; however, breast cancer patients and survivors’ attitudes and behaviors toward the body have not been deeply researched yet. It is paramount to explore BI interventions and the role of other related constructs in cancer patients and survivors.
This Research Topic aims to gather all research that studies BI in cancer patients and survivors, and its associations with cognitions, emotions, and behaviors. It also intends to deepen the role of interoceptive sensations, emotional arousal and regulation, and bodily awareness in BI issues and its behavioral consequences on BI perception and social relationships.
Research at all stages of the oncological disease are accepted, from the time of diagnosis to survivorship. Moreover, the present Research Topic is interested to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical interventions to promote a positive BI. Original quantitative or qualitative research, systematic reviews, as well as case reports that could extend the knowledge in this field are welcome.
Keywords: Body Image, Body Dissatisfaction, Emotional Regulation, Cancer Patients, Cancer Survivors, Bodily Arousal, Social Health, Clinical Interventions
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