Self-perception of women after mastectomy as an ego defence mechanism. Comparison with a group of healthy women

Abstract

Aim of the studyAnalysis of changes in self-perception in post-mastectomy patients and its comparison with self-perception of healthy women.Material and methodsThe subjects of this study were 50 women. The main group was post-mastectomy patients involved in the meetings of the Amazons Club (25 women). The reference group consisted of 25 healthy women. The method used in the study was the ACL (Adjective Check List) test, identifying 37 dimensions of self-image. Oncological patients completed a test twice (for current and pre-cancer self-image), and healthy women once – for current self. Both groups were selected similarly in respect of education level for the purpose of ensuring a similar level of insight.ResultsRetrospective self-image and the current one in the Amazon women group were highly convergent. Existing differences include a reduced need for achievement and dominance, and a lower level of self-confidence. However, the comparison of current self-images in both groups showed a large discrepancy of the results. The Amazon women assess themselves in a much more negative way. Also, their self-image is self-contradictory in certain characteristics.ConclusionsMastectomy is a difficult experience requiring one to re-adapt and to accept oneself thereafter. The way of thinking about oneself is a defence mechanism helping to cope. The work with patients programmes must, therefore, focus on identifying their emotions and thoughts, especially on those they do not want to accept because of the perceived pressure from the environment to effectively and quickly deal with this difficult situation. The increasing acceptance of personal limitations may help the affected women to adjust psychologically faster and easier.

Health factors among women after mastectomy

“…According to Chwałczyńska et al, most women after breast amputation do not accept the changed image of their bodies. This opinion has been confirmed in the author's own studies and in research conducted by other authors [15,29,30]. More than half of the respondents did not fully accept their current looks, and several women could not accept the present condition of their bodies at all.…”

Cancer: a family at risk

“…Sometimes the treatment requires surgery and removal of breast(s), testicle(s), or the making of a stoma. A lot of women after mastectomy suffer from the feeling of reduced sense of femininity, which can limit their willingness to restart sexual activity [ 16 ]. Other unfavourable effects may include: dyspareunia in women, problems with erection and ejaculation in men, or a general decrease of libido [ 7 ].…”

The risk of muscle dysmorphia and the perception of change in retrospective, current and ideal self-image – preliminary study

“…Presently, the studies, in particular, of the analysis of the ideal self-image seem to confirm that sensitivity to criticism hinders full acceptance of oneself. Mącik, Ziółkowska, and Kowalska (2012) observe that, not once, a positive self-image in a difficult psychological situation plays only the role of a defence mechanism. This role of the current self-image is also observable in the examination, because at least partly, the way of perceiving oneself is focused on the other people's expectations about proper behaviour.…”