Self-Esteem and Cancer: Theory and Research

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Abstract
Objective: To examine the relationship between self-esteem and the psychosocial response to cancer. Methods: The authors review methodological issues associated with measuring self-esteem inpatients with cancer and examine existing empirical studies in light of these issues. Results: Self-esteem in cancer has been variously viewed as an outcome variable, a mediator of other psychosocial outcomes, and as a personal resource that facilitates coping. Unidimensional measures of global self-esteem have been most often employed in research studies, despite increasing recognition that self-esteeem is multidimensional. Evaluation of global self-esteem has generally revealed no differences between cancer patients and controls. Aspects of multidimensional self-esteem, particularly body self-esteem, appears to be disturbed in many patients with cancer. Conclusions: The clinical and theoretical literature have emphasized the importance of self-esteem to the psychosocial response to cancer. Empirical study of self-esteem in cancer has been limited by conceptual and methodological issues. Strategies for future research are discussed.