Positive and negative aspects of well-being as correlates of breast reconstruction decision

Jolanta Życińska , Ewa Gruszczyńska , Alina Choteborska

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study was to explore the role of positive and negative aspects of well-being in a breast reconstruction decision, described in terms of the transtheoretical model of change (TTM). Methods The study comprised 216 women after total mastectomy in the cross-sectional design. The positive aspects of well-being were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale; the negative aspects were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (T-Anxiety scale). Results The multinomial logistic regression analyses were implemented, and the action stage was chosen as a relevant category. McFadden’s pseudo R-squared for positive, negative and combined aspects of well-being models equalled 0.28, 0.13 and 0.27, respectively. For the first model, the differential effects were observed for wellbeing, age and relationship status (54 % correctly classified cases), whereas for the model with negative aspects—only age and well-being (44 % correctly classified cases). For a model combining two aspects of well-being, the pattern was similar to the one observed for positive well-being (53 % correctly classified cases). The likelihood of classifying women in the action stage rather than in the precontemplation stage was determined by three variables: being in a relationship, better well-being and younger age. For the contemplation stage, the same relations were obtained for well-being and age. Finally, for the preparation stage, the well-being effect disappeared. Conclusion The results suggest that positive rather than negative aspects of well-being, after control for sociodemographic variables, may be significant correlates of breast reconstruction decision.