[Body image concerns and behavioral responses in a patient with cerebellopontine angle tumor]

This case report investigates the behavioral responses of body image change of a cerebellopontine angle tumor patient. Twelve process recordings obtained from a field study comprised the data for analysis. The dimensions of the subject's body image change were body structure, body function, body sensation, and social function change. Two types of behavioral response were delineated and categorized as the following: (1) Identifying the individual's body image change, such as seeking information, seeking reassurance, and comparative behavior. (2) Maintaining the integrity of individual's body image, such as rationalizing behavior, maintenance behavior, cooperative behavior and seeking religious support. This paper reports how the investigators used nursing interventions to help the subject gradually get through the process and adapt to the body image changes properly.