Relating to a new body: understanding the influence of body compassion and metacognition on body image in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Body compassion is a multidimensional construct related to body image and self-compassion and refers to one’s dispositional attitude towards oneself. Although the overall protective role of body compassion on body image issues, there is a lack of understanding in the oncological field. This exploratory study assesses the impact of body compassion, and metacognition on body image in breast cancer survivors, and how it is affected by cognitive and emotional issues. 79 breast cancer survivors filled in socio-demographic data and standardized online questionnaires. Results evidenced that body compassion has a significant effect on body image. Defusion and acceptance subscales negatively impact body image distress, while negative beliefs about worry as metacognition subscales positively predict body image distress. Indeed, promoting body compassion and decreasing a metacognition tendency can be a therapeutic target to promote a better body image in breast cancer survivors.