Associations Among Body Image, Exercise Behavior, and Relationship Quality in Cancer Patients and Survivors

The current study examined associations between body image and relationship quality among cancer patients and survivors and tested whether exercise moderated these associations. Participants were 71 cancer patients and survivors who were at least 18 years old, currently in a romantic relationship, and had completed an online survey assessing body image dissatisfaction, body image concerns, body appreciation, relationship satisfaction, commitment, and exercise behavior. Results indicated that body image dissatisfaction and body image concerns were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, whereas body appreciation was positively associated with relationship satisfaction and commitment. Exploratory interactions illustrated moderations of vigorous and moderate exercise between body image and relationship quality, although these effects were modest. Findings suggest that body image perceptions are associated with romantic relationship experiences among cancer patients and survivors, and that exercise may be relevant to understanding these associations. These findings provide implications for supporting relationships involving a cancer patient or survivor.