Mj. Stevens et Je. Duttlinger, CORRELATES OF PARTICIPATION IN A BREAST-CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, Journal of psychosomatic research, 45(3), 1998, pp. 263-275
We identified correlates of participation in a breast cancer support g
roup. Thirty-eight breast cancer patients were classified as establish
ed members, new members, or nonmembers of breast cancer support groups
and were administered a Background Data Sheet, Medical Questionnaire,
and the Personality Assessment Inventory. Established members were mo
st educated, had the most friends with cancer, perceived group as more
supportive than new members, and identified coping skills and sense o
f community as the most helpful features of group; new members held lo
nger meetings than established members, rated their relatives as least
supportive, and cited medical information as the most beneficial feat
ure of group. Established members manifested the least anxiety, depres
sion, stress, nonsupport, and aggression. We integrate these findings
with the literature on social support and cancer and offer suggestions
for research and practice. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.