'Brothers in arms': how men with cancer experience a sense of comradeship through group intervention which combines physical activity with information relay
L. Adamsen et al., 'Brothers in arms': how men with cancer experience a sense of comradeship through group intervention which combines physical activity with information relay, J CLIN NURS, 10(4), 2001, pp. 528-537
The study investigated how a group intervention programme (13 sessions over
16 weeks), designed for men with cancer (n = 17), affected their sense of
well-being and had a positive impact on their ability to cope with the phys
ical, psychological and social consequences of living with cancer. The clos
e-knit relationships fostered between participants stimulated a sense of so
lidarity and commitment amongst them.
New thinking in relation to gender, group dynamics and social processes is
presented, as are the implications for clinical nursing practice in cancer
care. The experience from male orientated group intervention programmes sho
ws that men with cancer have undiscovered strengths, whilst some wish to di
e 'with their boots on'.