How to address the body after breast cancer? A proposal for a psychological intervention focused on body compassion

Sebri, Valeria; Durosini, Ilaria; Pravettoni, Gabriella

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1085837

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Managing the individual experiences of illness and, in particular, addressing bodily issues can promote a positive perception of BI after cancer [32]. Current literature demonstrates the effectiveness of mixed-methods interventions based on various approaches (e.g., psychosocial, supportive, cognitive-behavioral/existential, interpersonal, emotionally expressive, and educational programs) to promote well-being and BI [33][34][35].…”

Section: Current Psychological Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Particularly for people with chronic disease, compassion-focused intervention can promote psychological adjustment gradually thanks to kindness toward the self, lack of self-judgment, acknowledging past trauma, and accepting suffering as part of the human condition [58,59]. After cancer, a self-compassion approach toward the body, so-called bodily-self compassion, is essential to recognize negative emotions and accept uncomfortable feelings without self-judgement and high fear of cancer recurrence [32]. Considering the relevance of body shame and unacceptance of changes, promoting kindness towards one's new body after cancer can be helpful to promote social connection, decreasing others' devaluation and fear of judgement.…”

Section: Tailored Psychological Interventions: Cognitive Behavioral A...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tailored Psychological Interventions to Manage Body Image: An Opinion Study on Breast Cancer Survivors

Sebri

Pravettoni

2023

IJERPH

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Objective: Oncological care affects the body strongly, even some years after therapies. Body image, as the mental representation of one’s own body, is particularly affected by breast cancer, with a high level of dissatisfaction and negative perception. Literature has shown the effectiveness of various psychological interventions to promote body image in breast cancer survivors, dealing with inner sensations and related emotions and thoughts. The present opinion study presents BI issues and personalized psychological interventions to increase a positive BI in breast cancer survivors. Conclusions: Implementing specific and personalized psychological interventions tailored on BI, the characteristics of oncological journey and emotional and cognitive issues is fundamental. Directions for clinical practice are given.

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Section: Current Psychological Interventionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Tailored Psychological Interventions: Cognitive Behavioral A...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Tailored Psychological Interventions to Manage Body Image: An Opinion Study on Breast Cancer Survivors

Sebri

Pravettoni

2023

IJERPH

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Virtual body and emotions: A pilot study on the use of virtual reality for the management of unpleasant sensations after cancer

Sebri,

Durosini,

Strika

et al. 2024

Couns and Psychother Res

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BackgroundWomen who receive a breast cancer diagnosis often have to cope with physical and psychological issues, even some years after diagnosis and treatments. Physical changes and negative inner sensations damage body image, leading to reduced contact with the body and social relationships due to shame and increased fear of cancer recurrence. Several psychological interventions have been conducted to manage psycho‐emotional issues involving bodily sensations and emotions.AimsThis study aimed to propose a virtual reality (VR) intervention to improve awareness and management of bodily sensations.Materials and MethodsThirteen women participated in a study design in which they were guided to focus their attention on three different parts of their body (i.e. arms, chest and legs) in a randomised way. Participants followed a light as a virtual visual stimulation and heard the researcher's voice.ResultsFindings showed that physical discomfort and negative emotions related to the body significantly decreased after the VR intervention. Additionally, the present VR intervention decreased anxiety. Accordingly, women qualitatively stated being satisfied with the intervention, considering VR as a helpful tool to be more focused on their inner sensations and decrease discomfort.DiscussionIn conclusion, VR may be implemented to promote bodily awareness in women with a breast cancer diagnosis, improving bodily awareness and the management of negative emotions.ConclusionDirections for future research and clinical implications are given.

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How to improve emotional regulation in breast cancer survivors? A psychological intervention

Sebri,

Policardo,

Pravettoni

2024

Front. Psychol.

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ObjectivePsychological interventions are pivotal in enhancing the Quality of Life for breast cancer survivors, with a primary focus on addressing affective and cognitive challenges through group discussions among those diagnosed with the disease. While the influence of Body Image on overall well-being is well-documented, research on interventions specifically designed to address Body Image concerns in this demographic remains scarce. The present study aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the outcomes of a psychological intervention focused on fostering a positive Body Image among 25 breast cancer survivors.MethodParticipants were divided into an experimental group, which received the intervention (n = 13), and a control group that did not receive any psychological support (n = 12).ResultsOur findings highlight significant disparities in emotional regulation strategies, specifically cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression, with the intervention group reporting enhanced emotional regulation. Contrary to initial hypotheses, the analysis unveiled statistically significant differences in both negative (social physique anxiety) and positive (functionality appreciation) body image dimensions, indicating elevated levels of social physique anxiety and reduced functionality appreciation among intervention participants.ConclusionThe total results may suggest that the intervention, while effective in enhancing emotional regulation, heightened awareness of body image issues, leading to increased social physique anxiety and diminished functionality appreciation. The paper further discusses practical implications arising from these insights.

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How to address the body after breast cancer? A proposal for a psychological intervention focused on body compassion

Cited by 3 publications

References 61 publications

Tailored Psychological Interventions to Manage Body Image: An Opinion Study on Breast Cancer Survivors

Tailored Psychological Interventions to Manage Body Image: An Opinion Study on Breast Cancer Survivors

Virtual body and emotions: A pilot study on the use of virtual reality for the management of unpleasant sensations after cancer

How to improve emotional regulation in breast cancer survivors? A psychological intervention

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