Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the positive effects of self-compassion, spousal support and selected factors on the psychology of women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Methods
Data were collected The Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, The Spousal Support Scale and The Psychological Well-Being Scale.
Results
A significant, positive relation was found between self-compassion and psychological well-being scores of the women diagnosed with breast cancer (p < 0.05). The education level of the patients and the status of undergoing reconstruction operation after breast cancer surgery significantly affected their psychological well-being (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
In this study, the women diagnosed as breast cancer were found to have moderate levels of self-compassion and higher than moderate levels of spousal support and psychological wellbeing. The women having a high education level and a high self-compassion level and undergoing reconstruction had a significantly high level pf psychological wellbeing.
Implications for Practice:
It is important to identify patients with low levels of self-compassion and partner support, to plan interventions to increase their levels of self-compassion and partner support, and to refer patients to support groups for this purpose.