Reclaimed Reflections: A Photographic Journey through Feminine Identity, Reconstruction, and Resilience after Breast Cancer
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Mentor Information
Dr. Helene Robinson
Description
This meta-synthesis explores the psychological impact of breast cancer treatments, particularly focusing on how mastectomy and breast reconstruction affect survivors’ feminine identity and experiences of grief. Emphasizing the importance of psychosocial recovery, it investigates the role of arts-based research in understanding these aspects. By reviewing 43 studies from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, this research highlights the significance of breast reconstruction in redefining feminine identity post-surgery and its profound effects on survivors’ perceptions of femininity, sexuality, and attractiveness. The analysis identifies two main themes: the reconstruction of feminine identity and the navigation of disenfranchised grief through arts-based methodologies. Findings suggest that breast reconstruction plays a dual role in survivors’ lives, offering a means to alleviate grief while also presenting challenges in emotional adjustment. Arts-based research emerges as a powerful tool to delve into the complex emotions surrounding breast reconstruction, offering unique insights into the survivors’ experiences. This study underscores the intricate link between breast reconstruction, feminine identity, and grief, advocating for the integration of arts-based methods in healthcare. It points towards the potential of such methodologies to articulate survivors’ experiences and support them in reconstructing their identities and managing grief. The synthesis calls for future research to develop therapeutic interventions that leverage arts-based approaches, aiming to enhance the quality of care and support for breast cancer survivors navigating their recovery journey.
Reclaimed Reflections: A Photographic Journey through Feminine Identity, Reconstruction, and Resilience after Breast Cancer
This meta-synthesis explores the psychological impact of breast cancer treatments, particularly focusing on how mastectomy and breast reconstruction affect survivors’ feminine identity and experiences of grief. Emphasizing the importance of psychosocial recovery, it investigates the role of arts-based research in understanding these aspects. By reviewing 43 studies from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, this research highlights the significance of breast reconstruction in redefining feminine identity post-surgery and its profound effects on survivors’ perceptions of femininity, sexuality, and attractiveness. The analysis identifies two main themes: the reconstruction of feminine identity and the navigation of disenfranchised grief through arts-based methodologies. Findings suggest that breast reconstruction plays a dual role in survivors’ lives, offering a means to alleviate grief while also presenting challenges in emotional adjustment. Arts-based research emerges as a powerful tool to delve into the complex emotions surrounding breast reconstruction, offering unique insights into the survivors’ experiences. This study underscores the intricate link between breast reconstruction, feminine identity, and grief, advocating for the integration of arts-based methods in healthcare. It points towards the potential of such methodologies to articulate survivors’ experiences and support them in reconstructing their identities and managing grief. The synthesis calls for future research to develop therapeutic interventions that leverage arts-based approaches, aiming to enhance the quality of care and support for breast cancer survivors navigating their recovery journey.
