The contribution of self-esteem and self-concept in psychological distress in women at risk of hereditary breast cancer.
OBJECTIVE
Clarification of the role of several aspects of self-concept regarding psychological distress in women at risk of hereditary breast cancer will help to target counselling and psychosocial interventions more appropriately. In this study, we aimed (1) to examine the role of general self-esteem and specific aspects of self-concept (i.e. stigma, vulnerability, and mastery) in psychological distress in women at risk of hereditary breast cancer and (2) to compare the relative importance of these self-concept aspects in psychological distress in women with low versus high self-esteem.


METHODS
General and breast-cancer-specific distress, self-esteem, self-concept, and demographics were assessed in 246 women being at risk of hereditary breast cancer, who opted either for regular breast surveillance or prophylactic surgery.


RESULTS
In the total study group, self-esteem was negatively associated with general distress. Furthermore, feeling stigmatized was strongly associated with more breast-cancer-specific distress, and to a lesser degree with general distress. In women with low-self esteem, feelings of stigmatization were strongly associated with higher levels of both breast-cancer-specific and general distress, while a sense of mastery was associated with less general distress. For women with high self-esteem, feelings of both stigmatization and vulnerability were associated with more breast-cancer-specific distress, whereas there were no significant associations with general distress.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychosocial interventions or support groups for women at risk of hereditary breast cancer should focus on self-esteem and feelings of stigmatization and isolation, and consequently tailor the interventions on specific items for respective women.
den Heijer
Mariska
M
Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. m.denheijer@erasmusmc.nl
Seynaeve
Caroline
C
Vanheusden
Kathleen
K
Duivenvoorden
Hugo J
HJ
Vos
Joël
J
Bartels
Carina C M
CC
Menke-Pluymers
Marian B E
MB
Tibben
Aad
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology