Psychotherapeutic Applications of the SASB Cluster Analysis of Intrapsychic Behaviors in Women With Breast Cancer: A Step by Step Approach

BackgroundThis study describes the approach and phases of psychotherapeutic interventions in women with breast cancer on the basis of a personality cluster analysis performed using the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB) Model by Lorna S. Benjamin.MethodsThe SASB Model is a tool for diagnosing and planning the stages of psychotherapeutic intervention. Therefore, based on the cluster analysis of the intrapsychic problems of the 2 different profiles SASB-Love and Autonomy and SASB-Control and Hate Traits, it was possible to describe the phases and methods of the psychotherapeutic SASB intervention for each profile and the most suitable therapeutic approaches.ResultsThe results of the analysis, based on the intrapsychic profile derived from the SASB model and distributed along a continuum, indicate the need for specific psychotherapeutic interventions. Although some common intrapsychic issues were identified, their intensity varied across individuals, suggesting that tailored therapeutic approaches are necessary for each patient. The identified intrapsychic profiles, characterized by passive adaptation, low self-affirmation, and self-criticism, highlight the importance of facilitating self-contact, enhancing self-awareness, and promoting the elaboration and integration of emotional experiences.ConclusionIn this context, a targeted psychotherapeutic treatment aimed at fostering self-affirmation and reducing self-criticism can help women with breast cancer to transform their approach to dealing with their condition, leading to more effective adaptation and improved quality of life.