Benefits of a Psychosocial Intervention on Positive Affect and Posttraumatic Growth for Chinese American Breast Cancer Survivors: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Breast cancer survivors report persistent psychological and physical symptoms, which affect their quality of life and may challenge the recovery process. Due to social, cultural, and linguistic barriers, culturally-sensitive care is largely unavailable for Chinese Americans, and their psychological needs are not often addressed. We aimed to investigate whether the Joy Luck Academy (JLA), a psychosocial intervention providing both information and peer support, was associated with positive adjustment among Chinese American breast cancer survivors. Thirty-nine Chinese American breast cancer survivors participated in a pilot psychosocial intervention. The educational materials and lectures were delivered in the participants' native language of Chinese. All of the educators and mentors shared the same linguistic and cultural background with the participants. The program utilized a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach to further enhance the cultural sensitivity of the intervention. Participants' post-traumatic growth and positive affect were assessed before and after the intervention. The JLA showed an improvement in positive affect, and they had a greater appreciation for life. The intervention was found to be feasible, well-accepted, and beneficial for this population. Chinese American breast cancer survivors reported improved psychological health after attending the intervention. These findings encourage the development and implementation of psychosocial interventions for Chinese breast cancer survivors. Similar programs could be integrated into other ethnic or cultural communities.

Culture in cancer survivorship interventions for Asian Americans: A systematic review and critical analyses.

“…Six interventions sought to improve quality of life (Chee et al, 2017; Deng et al, 2016, 2019; Lu et al, 2012, 2017, 2018). Two of the interventions intended to improve posttraumatic growth (Lu et al, 2012; Warmoth et al, 2020), which refers to individuals’ positive transformation after hardship and struggle (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 1996). Two interventions (Mokuau et al, 2008, 2012) sought to increase knowledge, self-efficacy, and coping among survivors and their family members.…”

“…Finally, 5 out of the 13 interventions were from one research group (Lu and colleagues) and four from another research group (Im and colleagues). This predominance of these two teams of researchers Interactive online discussion board, online educational sessions, online resources Deng et al (2016) Support group meetings, educational seminars, one-on-one peer support, educational materials, newsletters Deng et al (2019) Personally tailored workbook for dietary behaviors; quarterly newsletters, consultation with registered dietitians, phone counseling and prompts Im et al (2019) A technology-based information and coaching/support program including educational modules, online resources, group and individual coping by nurse interventionists Online educational modules, online resources, and group and individual (one-to-one) coaching Lu et al (2012) Expressive writing Lu et al (2014) Peer mentoring and educational sessions Lu et al (2017) Expressive writing Expressive writing Mokuau et al (2008) Family-oriented intervention providing educational sessions Mokuau et al (2012) Family-oriented educational sessions Warmoth et al (2020) Intervention included an educational component and a peer-mentoring component suggests the need for training, developing, and supporting a greater number of investigators who can generate a greater diversity in theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches.…”

“…Author (year) Goals Chee et al (2017) To improve survivorship outcomes including perceived social support, self-efficacy, physical and psychological symptoms including pain, and to improve the quality of life To improve cancer pain experience Deng et al (2016) To improve quality of life Deng et al (2019) To increase patient knowledge, dietary behaviors, physical activity, weight status, and health-related quality of life Im et al (2019) To improve menopausal symptoms including physical, psychological, and psychosomatic symptoms To improve cancer pain and its accompanying symptoms Lu et al (2012) To improve quality of life, physical health including fatigue, psychological adjustment including intrusive thoughts, affect, posttraumatic growth Lu et al (2014) To decrease depression and anxiety Lu et al (2017) To improve quality of life To improve quality of life Mokuau et al (2008) To improve cancer knowledge, self-efficacy, coping behaviors, psychological distress for both survivors and their family members Mokuau et al (2012) To increase knowledge, self-efficacy in accessing information on cancer, coping, recovery care for both survivors and their family members Warmoth et al (2020) To improve positive affect and posttraumatic growth 2020)…”

A Culturally Sensitive Social Support Intervention for Chinese American Breast Cancer Survivors (Joy Luck Academy): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

“…The results of a pilot study suggested that Joy Luck Academy has the potential to improve well-being among Chinese American breast cancer survivors [ 17 , 23 ]. Furthermore, qualitative data revealed that Joy Luck Academy reduced perceived stigma and loneliness and increased a sense of belonging by providing a forum for participants to share their experiences with women of similar cultural backgrounds [ 17 ].…”

World Trade Center Exposure and Posttraumatic Growth: Assessing Positive Psychological Change 15 Years after 9/11

“…PTG has been found to exist in various populations after facing a traumatic event, including victims of the Oslo and 9/11 terror attacks [ 10 , 11 , 20 ] and mass violence [ 21 ], those with physical illnesses [ 9 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ], sexual abuse victims [ 8 ], college students experiencing trauma [ 14 , 15 , 25 ], and veterans [ 26 ]. A higher level of PTG is generally associated with greater trauma and those who struggle with trauma are more likely to experience PTG [ 13 ].…”