Self-esteem and cancer: theory and research.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between self-esteem and the psychosocial response to cancer.


METHODS
The authors review methodological issues associated with measuring self-esteem in patients with cancer and examine existing empirical studies in light of these issues.


RESULTS
Self-esteem in cancer has been variously viewed as an outcome variable, a mediator of other psychosocial outcomes, and as a personal resource that facilitates coping. Unidimensional measures of global self-esteem have been most often employed in research studies, despite increasing recognition that self-esteem is multidimensional. Evaluation of global self-esteem has generally revealed no differences between cancer patients and controls. Aspects of multidimensional self-esteem, particularly body self-esteem, appears to be disturbed in many patients with cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical and theoretical literature have emphasized the importance of self-esteem to the psychosocial response to cancer. Empirical study of self-esteem in cancer has been limited by conceptual and methodological issues. Strategies for future research are discussed.
Katz
M R
MR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario.
Rodin
G
G
Devins
G M
GM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001828:Body Image; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role