Facial disfigurement in patients with head and neck cancer: the role of social self-efficacy.
This study investigated the moderating role of social self-efficacy (i.e., the belief that one is capable of exercising control over the reactions and openness of other people) with respect to the link between facial disfigurement and psychological and n = 76) as well as their physicians. In line with the hypotheses, the results revealed that the degree of facial disfigurement, as judged by patients as well as their physicians, was positively related to psychological distress and distress in reaction to unpleasant behavior of others, but only when patients did not feel self-efficacious in social encounters. Furthermore, social self-efficacy mitigated the positive link between facial disfigurement as judged by patients and social isolation.
Hagedoorn
Mariët
M
Department of Public Health and Health Psychology, Northern Center for Health Care Research, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands. m.hagedoorn@med.umcg.nl
Molleman
Eric
E
D001828:Body Image; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012928:Social Desirability; D012933:Social Identification; D012934:Social Isolation