Body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer - a concept analysis

Abstract

Aim: To report an analysis of the concept of body image disturbance in adults who have been treated for cancer as a phenomenon of interest to nurses.

Background: Although the concept of body image disturbance has been clearly defined in adolescents and adults with eating disorders, adults who have been treated for cancer may also experience body image disturbance. In this context, the concept of body image disturbance has not been clearly defined.

Design: Concept analysis.

Data sources: PubMed, Psychological Information Database and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for publications from 1937 - 2015. Search terms included body image, cancer, body image disturbance, adult and concept analysis.

Methods: Walker and Avant's 8-step method of concept analysis was used.

Results: The defining attributes of body image disturbance in adults who have been treated for cancer are: (1) self-perception of a change in appearance and displeasure with the change or perceived change in appearance; (2) decline in an area of function; and (3) psychological distress regarding changes in appearance and/or function.

Conclusions: This concept analysis provides a foundation for the development of multidimensional assessment tools and interventions to alleviate body image disturbance in this population. A better understanding of body image disturbance in adults treated for cancer will assist nurses and other clinicians in identifying this phenomenon and nurse scientists in developing instruments that accurately measure this condition, along with interventions that will promote a better quality of life for survivors.

Keywords: adult; appearance; body image disturbance; cancer; concept analysis; function; nursing; psychological distress.