A SUPPORT GROUP INTERVENTION TO FACILITATE YOUNG-ADULTS ADJUSTMENT TOCANCER

Results of a previous survey of 46 young adults with cancer led to the development of a professionally led support group to address their un ique concerns. The intervention combined group therapy techniques with psychoeducational strategies in six weekly sessions on the topics of anxiety about health and physical well-being worry about fertility and raising children, problems in relationships, financial concerns, and body image. Pretest and posttests demonstrated significant improvement in the 14 participants' scores on a measure of psychological well-bei ng but no changes in coping mechanisms or overall quality of life. Pra ctice recommendations include expanding the group to eight sessions an d providing less structure. Arguments in favor of time-limited group i nterventions for cancer patients are presented.