Patients with haematological malignancies show a restricted body image focusing on function and emotion

Abstract

The diagnosis of cancer threatens the psychological and bodily integrity. Based on this assumption, we aimed to explore how newly diagnosed patients cope with special regard to the body image (BI). In total, 40 patients (32 haematological malignancies) were assessed by questionnaires on mood, complaints, self-regulation and quality of life (QOL). The BI was assessed by the 'Body Grid' which reveals the constructs patients choose to characterize the body. The constructs were categorized using a model of six predefined categories comprising: emotion, control, activity, strength, function and appearance. Tinnitus sufferers and medical students served as comparison groups. Cancer patients showed significantly more anxious depression and a significantly lower QOL than controls. Their BI was restricted, focusing the functional status of body organs (e.g. opposing healthy vs. ill organs) as well as emotional aspects (e.g. trust vs. fear). The data convey fundamental psychological distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients. Restriction of BI and use of functional constructs may help to buffer the threat to body integrity. The emotional constructs reflect the existential impact. The data give a clear indication for the need for early psychosocial support which should aim at stabilizing the psychological and bodily integrity of the patient.