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Perceived physical appearance and adjustment of children with newly diagnosed cancer: a path analytic model

J W Varni1, E R Katz, R Colegrove

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, USA.

Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|June 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Children with cancer may face psychological challenges due to changes in physical appearance. Self-esteem and perceived appearance impact their mental health, highlighting areas for supportive interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Intensified medical treatments aim to improve pediatric cancer survival rates.
  • Evaluating psychosocial adjustment in children with newly diagnosed cancer is crucial for quality of life.
  • Changes in physical appearance due to cancer and its treatment can increase risks for psychological and social adjustment issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate perceived physical appearance as a predictor of psychological adjustment in pediatric cancer patients.
  • To examine the relationship between perceived physical appearance, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and social anxiety.
  • To explore potential protective factors influencing the impact of appearance on self-esteem.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a risk and resistance theoretical framework.
  • Employed path analysis to assess direct and indirect effects.
  • Investigated newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients.

Main Results:

  • Perceived physical appearance directly and indirectly affects depressive symptoms and social anxiety.
  • General self-esteem mediates the indirect effects of perceived physical appearance.
  • Competence and adequacy domains may buffer the negative impact of appearance on self-esteem.

Conclusions:

  • Perceived physical appearance significantly influences the psychological well-being of pediatric cancer patients.
  • Self-esteem plays a key role in mediating the relationship between appearance and mental health outcomes.
  • Interventions targeting competence and adequacy may enhance resilience in children undergoing cancer treatment.

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