Coping and Positive Body Image in Young Women with Breast Cancer: The Buffering Role of Social Support.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Considering the unique body image challenges faced by young women with breast cancer, this study aims to deepen our understanding of how coping strategies and perceived social support contribute to fostering positive body image in this population. This is an important issue as body image is capable of influencing women's self-esteem and psychological adaptation to breast cancer. Methods: A sample of 157 young women with breast cancer (M age = 41.43; SD = 6.05; Min 26 years, Max 50 years), 43% of whom had undergone breast reconstruction, completed an online survey. The survey included measures of coping strategies, positive body image, and perceived social support. Results: No significant differences in coping strategies, perceived social support, or positive body image were observed based on reconstruction status. Moderation analyses revealed that both avoidant and problem-focused coping were significantly associated with positive body image at moderate and high levels of perceived social support, but not at low levels of perceived social support. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between coping strategies and positive body image in women with breast cancer. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of social support in enhancing the effectiveness of both avoidant and problem-focused coping strategies in promoting positive body image. Future interventions should prioritize strengthening social support networks to optimize psychological outcomes in this population.