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Factors associated with romantic relationship formation difficulties in women with breast cancer.

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Title: Factors associated with romantic relationship formation difficulties in women with breast cancer.
Authors: Shaw, L.‐K., Sherman, K. A., Fitness, J., Elder, E., Breast Cancer Network Australia, Shaw, L-K (AUTHOR)
Source: Psycho-Oncology. Apr2018, Vol. 27 Issue 4, p1270-1276. 7p. 4 Charts.
Subjects: Breast cancer patients, Women's health, Interpersonal relations, Body image, Medical care
Abstract: Objective: Many un-partnered women report difficulty in forming romantic relationships after breast cancer, characterized by high dating-related anxiety and low perceived interpersonal competence. This study examined the relationship between poor body image (appearance investment and body dissatisfaction) and self-compassion, and women's ability to form romantic relationships post-breast cancer.Methods: Women (N = 152) diagnosed with breast cancer, who were either un-partnered and expressed interest in romantic dating, or who had commenced a relationship post-diagnosis, completed an online survey. Assessments included the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, Dating Anxiety Scale, Self-compassion Scale, Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised, Body Image Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Multiple regression analyses assessed the relationships between these variables.Results: Partnered and un-partnered women differed in levels of dating anxiety, interpersonal competence, anxious attachment, and the self-evaluative salience facet of appearance investment. Analyses revealed a significant model for dating anxiety, with high self-evaluative salience, body image dissatisfaction, and attachment avoidance independently associated with this outcome. The model for interpersonal competence was also significant, with low attachment avoidance and high self-compassion independently associated with this outcome.Conclusions: Un-partnered women who place high importance on appearance for their self-worth and who report poor body image and low self-compassion are at risk of experiencing difficulties in forming new romantic relationships after breast cancer. Future interventions should target these variables to facilitate romantic dating during cancer survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
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Abstract:<bold>Objective: </bold>Many un-partnered women report difficulty in forming romantic relationships after breast cancer, characterized by high dating-related anxiety and low perceived interpersonal competence. This study examined the relationship between poor body image (appearance investment and body dissatisfaction) and self-compassion, and women's ability to form romantic relationships post-breast cancer.<bold>Methods: </bold>Women (N = 152) diagnosed with breast cancer, who were either un-partnered and expressed interest in romantic dating, or who had commenced a relationship post-diagnosis, completed an online survey. Assessments included the Interpersonal Competence Questionnaire, Dating Anxiety Scale, Self-compassion Scale, Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised, Body Image Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships Scale. Multiple regression analyses assessed the relationships between these variables.<bold>Results: </bold>Partnered and un-partnered women differed in levels of dating anxiety, interpersonal competence, anxious attachment, and the self-evaluative salience facet of appearance investment. Analyses revealed a significant model for dating anxiety, with high self-evaluative salience, body image dissatisfaction, and attachment avoidance independently associated with this outcome. The model for interpersonal competence was also significant, with low attachment avoidance and high self-compassion independently associated with this outcome.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Un-partnered women who place high importance on appearance for their self-worth and who report poor body image and low self-compassion are at risk of experiencing difficulties in forming new romantic relationships after breast cancer. Future interventions should target these variables to facilitate romantic dating during cancer survivorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10579249
DOI:10.1002/pon.4666