Using Figure Drawings to Assess Psychological Well-being among Colorectal Cancer Patients before and after Creation of Intestinal Stomas: A Brief Report

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the impact of stoma on the psychological well-being of colorectal cancer patients as reflected in their self-figure drawings. Twenty-four colorectal cancer patients referred to surgery were administered self-report questionnaires and were asked to draw themselves, 12 of these patients were administered the same questionnaire and drew a second self-figure drawing 3 months later. Results indicated a significant decrease in level of satisfaction in family domain after 3 months, and shakier body lines and specific additional features representing the stoma patch and the tumor were noted in the drawings.

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Notes on contributors

Rachel Lev-Wiesel

Rachel Lev-Wiesel is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheba, Israel. Her research interests include trauma, PTSD, analysis of drawings, and quality of life.

Riva Ziperstein

Riva Ziperstein is an entrostomal therapy nurse, Family Counseling and Medical Psychology. Her research interests include stoma and quality of life.

Micha Rabau

Micha Rabau is a clinical professor of surgery, Department of Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University. His research interests include colorectal cancer and stoma.