Benefit of group therapy in the rehabilitation of mastectomatized women

Abstract

Introduction: The meaning that the breasts have for the woman both in the physical aspect as in the elementary and before the loss of one or both breasts will present states of anxiety, anguish and fear. The group therapeutic actions can offer an alternative of support and benefit.

Objective: To analyze the results of group activities with mastectomized women.

Material and methods: study carried out at the Fortaleza Ceara University, with women members of the group Teaching Group, Self-Help Research and Assistance to Mastectomized Women (GEPAM). The data were collected in a group of women of different ages organized according to the method of content analysis and grouped into categories.

Results: The feelings presented in the women were fear, anger, rejection and guilt. The benefits of group activity noted by women were related to changes in physical appearance, in personal care, in attitudes to stressful situations; increase in functional independence, improvement of quality of life. The most influential factors were the socialization and communication developed by the group.

Discussion: Significant changes occurred in women's lives in relation to self-image and self-esteem.