Premium
Body image among adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer: A scoping review
Author(s) -
Vani Madison F.,
Lucibello Kristen M.,
Trinh Linda,
Santa Mina Daniel,
Sabiston Catherine M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.5698
Subject(s) - psycinfo , cinahl , medline , inclusion (mineral) , clinical psychology , qualitative research , medicine , psychology , psychological intervention , psychiatry , social psychology , social science , sociology , political science , law
Objective Cancer and treatment can produce temporary or permanent body changes, which may affect the body image (BI) of adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer (AYAs). This evidence has not been comprehensively summarized. A scoping review was conducted to explore the available evidence on BI among AYAs and identify the definitions, theories, models, frameworks, measures, and methods used to assess BI. Methods Databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO (via Ovid) and CINAHL and Gender Studies (via EBSCO) were searched to identify published studies from 1 January 2000 to 25 November 2019. Inclusion criteria were: qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodology; at least one BI‐related measure or theme; published in English; and majority of the sample between 13 and 39 years at diagnosis and a mean age at diagnosis between 13 and 39 years. Two authors screened the titles, abstracts, and full‐text articles and data were extracted and summarized. Results The search yielded 11,347 articles and 82 met inclusion criteria. Articles included 45 quantitative, 33 qualitative, and four mixed‐methods studies. The majority of studies used cross‐sectional designs, while BI definitions, theories, models, frameworks, and measures were varied. Studies explored descriptive, psychological, physical, coping, and social factors, with BI being described most often as an outcome rather than a predictor. Conclusions Theory‐based research that employs a holistic BI definition and uses longitudinal or intervention study designs or a qualitative methodology is needed to better understand the BI experience of AYAs and inform the development of strategies and programs to reduce BI concerns and increase positive body experiences.