After undergoing chemotherapy, a patient is worried about being perceived as ugly by her children. What stressor is affecting her self-concept?

The concern expressed by the patient about being perceived as ugly directly relates to her body image. Body image is a critical component of self-concept, encompassing an individual's perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance. Following chemotherapy, the patient may experience physical changes such as hair loss, weight changes, and alterations in skin tone, which can significantly impact her self-esteem and how she perceives herself.

The patient's worry specifically about her children’s perception highlights the emotional weight that body image holds in shaping her overall self-concept. When individuals believe that their appearance is negatively affected, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy or fear of social judgment, particularly from those they care about, such as family members. This situation exemplifies how body image concerns can impact not just individual self-esteem but also interpersonal relationships and interactions. Recognizing this connection is vital in understanding the importance of body image within the larger context of self-concept and emotional well-being following significant life changes such as medical treatment.