Psychological – Self-Image – KidneyPal

Self-Image

Psychological Domain

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Psychological

In the Psychological Domain, the sociodemographics that were moderately correlated were educational attainment and occupational status. These two factors had a stronger relationship to psychological quality of life (QoL) compared to the other variables, which showed only weak correlations.

Individuals with higher education or stable, fulfilling work are better equipped to handle the emotional challenges of long-term treatment. Education can improve health literacy and self-confidence, while meaningful work provides structure, social connection, and a sense of purpose. Together, these factors play a powerful role in helping patients maintain a positive mindset and emotional resilience throughout their treatment journey.

Self-Image

Perceptions, thoughts, and feelings about oneself (often related to body image. (WHO, 2020)

General Interventions

(For age, sex, marital status, household income, comorbidities)

1. You should focus on positive affirmations

Remind yourself of the positive aspects of who you are to shift your focus from concerns about body image (Krouse, 2023).

2. You should express your feelings about your body changes.

It's important to talk about how you're feeling, whether it’s with a trusted friend, family member, or even a therapist (Hood, 2022).

3. You should engage in activities that promote a positive body image.

Participate in light physical activities or self-care routines that make you feel good and help improve how you view your body (National Institute on Aging, 2025).

Educational Attainment-Based: Lower Formal Education

1. You should use reassuring and positive phrases when thinking or talking about your body

This helps reduce any negative thoughts and supports a positive self-image (Yarosh, 2024, p. 37).

2. You are encouraged to participate in self-care activities that help you feel good about yourself

This can include simple actions like grooming or wearing clothes you enjoy (Hochstein et al., 2024).

3. You should have the support of a trusted family member or friend who can help you feel more positive about your body

Having someone to talk to reinforces emotional support and boosts body image (Mental Health Foundation, 2019, p. 34).

Educational Attainment-Based: Higher Formal Education

1. You should express your feelings about body changes in a journal or by talking with someone you trust

This helps you process emotions and accept body changes (Melissant et al., 2021).

2. You should try to focus on the things your body enables you to do, not just how it looks.

This helps you value your body for its functionality rather than just its appearance (Cerea et al., 2024, p. 435).

3. You can connect with others through online support groups to talk about your experiences and get reassurance from others going through the same thing

This will help you feel less isolated and more supported (Mills et al., 2025).

Occupational Status-Based: Unemployed

1. You should engage in light physical activities such as walking or stretching

This will help you improve your body image and overall self-esteem, feel more in control of your body, and encourage self-care (Zhang et al., 2024).

2. You should volunteer or participate in community-based activities that align with your interests and values.

Engaging in meaningful activities can boost your sense of purpose and improve your self-image (Nichol et al., 2023).

3. You should practice self-compassion by being gentle with yourself and recognizing your worth beyond your physical appearance

Acknowledging your value as a person beyond your body can improve your overall well-being (Mey et al., 2023).

Occupational Status-Based: Employed

1. You should advocate for your needs in the workplace, especially if body changes are affecting your comfort or performance

Speaking up can help foster a supportive environment and ensure you're treated with respect (Jeffery et al., 2025).

2. You should take time for self-care during breaks at work, such as deep breathing or short walks, to reset and promote a positive body image

Taking care of yourself during work hours can reduce stress and improve self-esteem (Albulescu et al., 2022).

3. Seek support from a trusted colleague or supervisor if body image concerns affect your confidence or work performance.

Having a supportive work environment can help you feel better about yourself and your body (Kertechian & El-Farr, 2025).

References

● Albulescu, P., Macsinga, I., Rusu, A., Sulea, C., Bodnaru, A., & Tulbure, B. T. (2022). "Give me a break!" A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. PLOS ONE, 17(8), e0272460. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272460
● Cerea, S., Panzeri, A., Burdisso, B., Bottesi, G., Mancin, P., Rapisarda, M., & Ghisi, M. (2024). More than body appearance! Improving body image in young women through a functionality‐focused intervention combined with psychoeducation: A randomized controlled trial. British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(2), 415-441. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjc.12514
● Hood, J. (2022, July 26). The benefits and importance of a support system | Highland springs clinic. Highland Springs. https://highlandspringsclinic.org/the-benefits-and-importance-of-a-support-system
● Hochstein, R. E., Veresiu, E., & Harmeling, C. M. (2024). Moralizing everyday consumption: The case of self-care. Journal of Consumer Research, 52(1), 219-242. https://doi.org/10.1093/jcr/ucae056
● Jeffery, B., Weddle, B., Brassey, J., & Thaker, S. (2025, January 16). Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/thriving-workplaces-how-employers-can-improve-productivity-and-change-lives
● Kertechian, K., & El-Farr, H. (2025). Body image in the workplace: Assessing the impact on self-esteem and employee engagement. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5183440
● Krouse, L. (2023, March 22). Tips for a healthy body Image| JED. The Jed Foundation. https://jedfoundation.org/resource/tips-for-body-positivity-ways-to-feel-better-about-our-bodies/
● Melissant, H. C., Jansen, F., Eerenstein, S. E., Cuijpers, P., Lissenberg-Witte, B. I., Sherman, K. A., Laan, E. T., Leemans, C. R., & Verdonck-de Leeuw, I. M. (2021). A structured expressive writing activity targeting body image-related distress among head and neck cancer survivors: Who do we reach and what are the effects? Supportive Care in Cancer, 29(10), 5763-5776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-021-06114-y
● Mental Health Foundation. (2019). Body Image: How we think and feel about our bodies. London: Mental Health Foundation.
● Mey, L. K., Wenzel, M., Morello, K., Rowland, Z., Kubiak, T., & Tüscher, O. (2023). Be kind to yourself: The implications of momentary self-compassion for affective dynamics and well-being in daily life. Mindfulness, 14(3), 622-636. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-022-02050-y
● Mills, F., Drury, J., Hall, C. E., Weston, D., Symons, C., Amlôt, R., & Carter, H. (2025). A mixed studies systematic review on the health and wellbeing effects, and underlying mechanisms, of online support groups for chronic conditions. Communications Psychology, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-025-00217-6
● NANDA International. (2021). NANDA Nursing Diagnoses: Definitions and Classification, 16th Edition.+
● National Institute on Aging. (2025, January 14). Human verification. Human Verification. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/three-types-exercise-can-improve-your-health-and-physical
● Nichol, B., Wilson, R., Rodrigues, A., & Haighton, C. (2023). Exploring the effects of volunteering on the social, mental, and physical health and well-being of volunteers: An umbrella review. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 35(1), 97-128. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11266-023-00573-z
● Yarosh, C. (2024). Cognitive behavioral therapy workbook for self-esteem: Identify, challenge, and change your thoughts and actions. Simon & Schuster.
● Zhang, Y., Wen, Z., Zhu, Y., & Guan, G. (2024). Effects of physical exercise on body esteem among females: A meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-20861-7