Exploring relationships, body image and wellbeing after breast cancer

What’s the title of the study?

Attachment Styles, Self-Compassion, Body Image and Psychological Adjustment in Female Breast Cancer Survivors

What’s the project about?

Life after primary breast cancer can bring emotional challenges that continue long after treatment has finished. Everyone responds differently, and the way we relate to other people may be one reason why.

This study looks at how our relationships with others, our ability to be kind to ourselves, and how we feel about our bodies may affect emotional wellbeing after breast cancer.

The researchers want to better understand how these factors work together and whether they influence how people adjust after treatment.

The findings could help improve future psychological support for people living beyond breast cancer.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Maria McLachlan

Job title: Trainee Clinical Psychologist

Organisation: Coventry University

Email address: mclachlanm@coventry.ac.uk 

Who can take part?

You can take part if you:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Are female
• Were diagnosed with primary breast cancer within the last 10 years
• Have completed active breast cancer treatment (excluding hormone therapy)
• Had breast surgery as part of your treatment
• Can complete an online survey in English

Why do you want me to be involved?

Your experience can help researchers better understand what supports emotional wellbeing after breast cancer.

By taking part, you'll help build knowledge about how relationships, self-compassion and body image influence life after treatment. 

This could help shape future psychological therapies and improve support for people living beyond breast cancer.

What will you ask me to do?

If you choose to take part, you'll be asked to complete a one-off online survey, which takes around 30 minutes.

The survey includes questions about:

• How you relate to other people 
• Self-compassion 
• Body image 
• Emotional wellbeing 
• Your age, ethnicity and breast cancer experience, including your diagnosis and treatment 

If you'd like, you can also request information about the study findings once the research has finished. 

How do I get involved?

Please complete the online survey. The participant information sheet and consent form are at the beginning of the survey. 

If you have any questions or would like more information, you can contact Maria at mclachlanm@coventry.ac.uk. 

When’s the deadline?

30 September 2026