The role of social comparative orientation in social anxiety among breast cancer survivors: a moderated mediation model of body image and self-concept clarity
摘要
It is well known that social rehabilitation is an important part of the overall recovery of breast cancer survivors. Previous research has demonstrated that social anxiety is prevalent among breast cancer survivors, which is not only a significant psychological issue, but also impairs survivors’ social rehabilitation and diminishes their quality of life. Therefore, understanding the factors and mechanisms influencing social anxiety in breast cancer survivors is crucial. This study aimed to investigate the mediating and moderating effects of body image and self-concept clarity on social comparison orientation and social anxiety in breast cancer survivors.
MethodsThe convenience sampling method was employed to survey 382 breast cancer survivors. The sample comprised participants aged 30–69 years: 69 − 56 years(28.01%), 45–55 years (39.53% ), and 30–44 years (32.46%). Data was collected using a general information questionnaire, the Social Anxiety Scale, the Body Image Scale, the Social Comparison Orientation Scale, and the Self-Concept Clarity Scale. The SPSS macro program PROCESS plug-in was utilized for mediation and moderation analyses.
ResultsThis study revealed a partial mediation effect of body image between social comparison orientation and social anxiety (β = 0.100, 95% CI [0.052, 0.162]), accounting for 27% of the total variance. Furthermore, self-concept clarity moderates the influence of social comparison orientation on social anxiety through body image. Specifically, as self-concept clarity increases, the influence of social comparison orientation on body image is gradually weakened, and the impact of body image on social anxiety becomes progressively weaker.
ConclusionsSocial comparison orientation influences the social anxiety of breast cancer survivors through body image. Self-concept clarity exerts a moderating effect, attenuating the influence of social comparison orientation on body image and body image on social anxiety. The findings provide a theoretical and practical foundation for research on the social rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors.
Clinical trial numberNot applicable.