DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2021.v09i07.003

Pages: 315-322

Background: Sexist media tropes objectify the female body, and nonconformists to the ideal beauty standards are isolated as dissenters. Mastectomy causes major changes to a woman’s body, and due to the widespread consumption of body-objectifying media, women undergoing mastectomy without reconstruction are vulnerable to body-dissatisfaction, which may lead to mental health issues. Objectives: This study aims to explore the influence of relationship authenticity, social support from spouse, family and friends in reducing body consciousness and enhancing self-esteem for improved psycho-oncological prognosis in mastectomy patients. Method: Participants (N=30) recruited to the study, were involved in a heterosexual marital relationship, with a monthly per head income of roughly 2000 INR and had undergone mastectomy without reconstruction, in admitted observation or out-patient follow-up observation, ranging from a period of 6-12 months post-surgery. Result: Statistical analyses revealed significant association in body consciousness, relationship authenticity and self-esteem in mastectomy patients. The study also found lower self-objectification and higher self-esteem among those who were successfully rehabilitated to their family setting in comparison to patients immediately after surgery. Conclusion: Perceived support from family and body consciousness are predictive of self-esteem in the sample studied.