GROUP CLIMATE IN AN OPEN-ENDED CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

A number of well-described controlled studies assessing cancer support group intervention support their effectiveness. All of these experime ntal groups have been close-ended and typically involve sir to eight w eekly sessions. Because many cancer patients are unable or unwilling t o participate in closed extended-session groups, there is particular n eed for analysis of the effectiveness of shortterm, open-ended groups. Additionally, objective measures are needed to delineate the factors contributing to a successful outcome in cancer support groups. We used the Short Form of the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQS) to character ize 23 sessions in an open-ended, short-term, Veterans Hospital based cancer support group. The cancer group scored significantly lower on t he Avoiding and Conflict dimensions (p <.001) compared to a normative psychotherapy group sample. There was no difference on the Engaged dim ension. This pilot study suggests that a cancer support group in this setting can create an environment where members are cohesive and take responsibility for their own change process, while keeping interperson al conflict to a minimum. Based on these preliminary findings, we enco urage controlled clinical trials examining the efficacy of open-ended cancer support groups.