The Intertwined Impact of Marital Expectations, Body Image, and Sexual Satisfaction on Marital Quality of Life in Women with Breast Cancer Marital QoL in women with BC
Abstract
Background: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can profoundly affect women’s marital dynamics, frequently impacting body image, sexual satisfaction, and overall marital quality. This study sought to examine the relationships between marital expectations and body image with marital quality of life in women with breast cancer, with a particular focus on the mediating role of sexual satisfaction in these associations.
Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive correlational design, utilizing path analysis to examine the relationships between key variables, including marital quality of life, marital expectations, body image, and sexual satisfaction. The target population comprised all women with breast cancer attending subspecialty clinics in Ahvaz, Iran, with data collected from January to June 2024. A sample of 161 women with breast cancer was recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Marital Expectations Questionnaire, Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, and Marital Intimacy Questionnaire. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and path analysis.
Results: The mean score for marital quality of life was 42.95 (SD, 8.89). The results indicated significant positive direct relationships between marital expectations and sexual satisfaction, body image and sexual satisfaction, body image and marital quality of life, and sexual satisfaction and marital quality of life among women with breast cancer (P<0.001). However, no significant direct relationship was found between marital expectations and the quality of life in marriage. Furthermore, significant indirect relationships were observed between body image and marital quality of life, mediated by sexual satisfaction, and between marital expectations and marital quality of life, mediated by sexual satisfaction (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study highlights the intricate links between marital quality of life, sexual satisfaction, body image, and marital expectations in women with breast cancer, with sexual satisfaction as a key mediator. These insights call for holistic interventions, integrating psychological counseling, body image therapy, and couples’ support, to enhance relational well-being and overall quality of life.
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