The predictive role of body image and sexual function in quality of life after modified radical mastectomy regarding the mediating role of emotion; a cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Mastectomy has negative effects on body image, sexual function, and quality of life (QOL). Additionally, maladaptive emotion regulation strategy is considered a trans-diagnostic mechanism underlying the psychiatric syndrome in these patients. Objectives: The predictive role of body image and sexual function in QOL regarding the mediating role of difficulty in emotion regulation has not been studied yet. Methods: In a correlational study, from March to December 2016, among patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy (MRM) at Early-stage Breast Cancer (BC), 90 patients were selected, using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). To collect the data, the Multi-dimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire (MBSRQ), the Persian language version of the Female Sexual Function Index (P-FSFI), QOL questionnaire, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scales (DERS) were used. Data were analyzed through Pearson’s correla-tion coefficient, regression analysis, and path analysis, using AMOS and SPSS software version 22 and the significance criterion was considered 0.05. Results: Data analysis showed a direct relationship between body image and sexual function with QOL, and it had an inverse relationship with difficulty in emotion regulation (P < 0.01). Also, body image, sexual function, and difficulty in emotion regulation were predictors of QOL (P < 0.01). Besides, in predicting QOL based on sexual function and body image, the difficulty in emotion regulation has a mediating role (P < 0.01). Conclusions: In patients with breast cancer under mastectomy, proper sexual function, sexual attraction depending on body im-age, and QOL were influenced by emotion regulation. Reducing the difficulty in emotion regulation through emotion-focused interventions can improve QOL in patients.