Structural Equation Modeling of the Psychological Distress based on Self-Compassion with the Mediating Role of Negative Body Image in Married Women with Breast Cancer

Mehrzad, Yasamim; Bagheri, Nasrin; Mojtabaie, Mina

doi:10.30473/hpj.2025.73174.6158

Document Type : Scientific Research

Authors

¹ PhD student, Department of Psychology, Roudhen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

² Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

³ Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Social Sciences, Roudehen Branch, Islamic Azad University, Roudehen, Iran.

10.30473/hpj.2025.73174.6158

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer is one of the most common and deadly cancers among women worldwide, affecting millions of people, with 2.3 million new cases (one in four new cancer cases) and leading to cancer-related deaths among the female population, with 685,000 cancer deaths (one in six deaths) reported in 2020. After lung cancer, breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women globally. The disease, due to its nature and the fact that the breast is a symbol of femininity, holds emotional significance for all affected women; therefore, being diagnosed with breast cancer causes psychological distress. The purpose of the present study was to investigate structural equation modeling of psychological distress based on self-compassion, with the mediating role of negative body image in married women with breast cancer. Method: This was descriptive-correlational research. The statistical population of the study was women with breast cancer in Kerman city during the summer of 2024. The sample size was selected based on Klein's model (2023) and involved convenience sampling of 400 women. Data collection tools included the psychological distress scale (K-10) by Kessler et al. (2003), the short form of the self-compassion scale (SF-SCS) by Raes et al. (2011), and the body image concern inventory (BICI) by Littleton et al. (2005). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling. The data analysis software was SPSS and AMOS version 28. Results: The results showed a direct effect of self-compassion (β = -0.66, sig = 0.001) on psychological distress, which is significant. The results also indicated that negative body image has a significant mediating role in the relationship between self-compassion (β = -0.71, sig = 0.001) and psychological distress. Additionally, the final research model demonstrated a good fit (RMSEA = 0.06, p < 0.05), explaining 97% of the variance in psychological distress. Conclusion: In explaining the results, it can be said that those who lack self-compassion and are unkind to themselves also have a negative view of their bodies when they are ill. Body image refers to the complex psychological relationship with one's body, which focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on one's physical appearance. It includes a person's perceptions and attitudes about their body, encompassing a wide range of thoughts, beliefs, feelings, and behaviors related to the body. Body image issues can also stem from social standards that emphasize vitality, physical beauty, and fitness. As a result, the removal of part of the breast (lumpectomy), the entire affected breast (mastectomy), or both breasts (double mastectomy) may be interpreted as an indicator of failure. Patients who have undergone surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in the breast must adapt to changes in body structure, function, and image at the physical, social, and psychological levels, which can lead to increased levels of psychological distress. Therefore, it is logical to say that negative body image can play a mediating role in the relationship between self-compassion and psychological distress in women with breast cancer. According to the findings of this research and the roles of self-compassion and negative body image in psychological distress in women with breast cancer, it is suggested that the results of this study be used to reduce psychological distress in this population.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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Structural Equation Modeling of the Psychological Distress based on Self-Compassion with the Mediating Role of Negative Body Image in Married Women with Breast Cancer

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Volume 14, Issue 55November 2025Pages 99-116

Volume 14, Issue 55
November 2025
Pages 99-116