Women's Health and Self-Esteem

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how an illness such as ovarian cancer, breast implants and menopause can cause the inability to perform simple tasks but it can also negatively affect the body which causes psychological distress towards the patient. The paper explores the research that shows how higher self-esteem among cancer patients is reliant upon a supportive family unit, friends and the support of other women who have survived the same ordeal. The paper also shows how a woman can overcome an illness by having a strong support system.

From the Paper:

"An unsupportive family adds more psychological distress among cancer patients which leads to higher levels of depression. Depression arises from low self-esteem which is also a factor in a patient's sense of mastery over a disease. If a patient feels as though they are in control, that they are still capable of achieving their diurnal routines then the disease has little affect on them psychologically. If, however, the disease affects their routine and the ability to achieve certain simple tasks such as going to the bathroom alone, then their inability to control their illness allows for low self-esteem which subsequently leads to depression."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Norton, TR et al. Ovarian cancer Patients' Psychological Distress. Health Psychology. Vol.24, Issue 2. pp. 143-152. March 2005.
• Dirksen, SR. Predicting Well-being Among Breast Cancer Survivors. Journal of AdvancedNursing. Vol. 32, Issue 4. pp.937-943. October 2000.

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