Group psychotherapy for recently diagnosed breast cancer patients: a multicenter feasibility study

Spiegel, David; Morrow, Gary R.; Classen, Catherine; Raubertas, Richard F.; Stott, Phillip B.; Mudaliar, Narayan; Pierce, H. Irving; Flynn, Patrick J.; Heard, Laura; Riggs, Gail

doi:10.1002/(sici)1099-1611(199911/12)8:6<482::aid-pon402>3.3.co;2-n

Cited by 32 publications

(38 citation statements)

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“…Further studies are to be expected which will provide information about the outcome in terms of survival and recurrence. At the moment, two large multicenter trials replicating the Spiegel intervention are underway, and results are expected within the next 2 years [16].…”

Section: Intervention Research In Psychooncologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Support groups for cancer patients

Weis¹

2003

Supportive Care in Cancer

123

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Within the last two decades psychosocial group interventions have been developed to help cancer patients cope better with the psychosocial sequelae of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Support groups include a variety of different approaches some of which focus on behavioral aspects and symptoms (e.g. pain, fatigue) and some on the expression of emotions. Most of these support programs are structured and short-term and include elements such as delivery of information, emotional and social support, stress management strategies based on the cognitive behavioral approach and the teaching of relaxation techniques. Beyond individual therapy, group therapies can address cancer-related issues to enable patients to gain emotional support from other patients with similar experiences and to use these experiences to buffer the fear of dying and the unknown future. One of the overall therapeutic targets is the promotion of the patient's individual resources. Therefore, such groups are helpful not only for the patients, but also for their spouses and other family members, in relieving the cancer-related distress. In Germany, support groups are established in rehabilitation clinics as well as outpatient programs and play an important role in palliative and supportive care of cancer patients. Against the background of changes in the patients' role, the increasing availability of information technology (e.g. the internet) and patient advocacy in cancer treatment, support groups may be understood as a mean of empowerment of the patient. The need for group interventions such as outpatient programs for cancer patients is claimed not only by the health professionals but also by the patients themselves. There is some research emphasizing that avoidance of feelings, denial of concerns, feelings of helplessness and social isolation are correlated with poorer health outcome and poorer quality of life. Many empirical studies have provided evidence-based knowledge that structured group interventions for cancer patients improve psychological wellbeing, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve quality of life, coping and mental adjustment. Positive effects on survival have even been reported, but these effects have not yet been proven.

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Section: Intervention Research In Psychooncologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Support groups for cancer patients

Weis¹

2003

Supportive Care in Cancer

123

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“…Psychosocial support services such as support groups have been shown to significantly reduce distress and improve coping for women with breast cancer (e.g., [4,10,35,51,55]). There is even some evidence that group psychosocial interventions can bring physiological benefits for people with cancer [2,20,21,54].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Distance art groups for women with breast cancer: guidelines and recommendations

Collie

Bottorff

Long

et al. 2006

Support Care Cancer

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To overcome barriers that prevent women with breast cancer from attending support groups, innovative formats and modes of delivery both need to be considered. The present study was part of an interdisciplinary program of research in which researchers from counseling psychology, psycho-oncology, nursing, computer science, and fine arts have explored art making as an innovative format and telehealth as a mode of delivery. For this study, we conducted focus groups and interviews with 25 people with expertise about breast cancer, art, art therapy, and distance delivery of mental health services to generate guidelines for distance art-based psychosocial support services to women with breast cancer. A qualitative analysis of the focus group and interview data yielded guidelines for developers and facilitators of distance art groups for women with breast cancer pertaining to (a) emotional expression, (b) emotional support, (c) emotional safety, and (d) accommodating individual differences, plus special considerations for art therapy groups. Further research is needed pertaining to the use of computers, involvement of art therapists, and screening out vulnerable clients.

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“…Recognizing the benefits of such support, health care professionals and health systems should be encouraged to take the time to assess the cancer patient's social situation and identify areas where help may be needed. In addition to assistance and support provided by family, friends, health care professionals, religious groups, and private organizations, interventions that may improve social support and quality of life among women with ovarian cancer include patient support groups [4,7,13,14,32,33] and comprehensive models of care such as palliative care and hospice care for dying patients [26]. Clinicians could consider these resources as an option for their ovarian cancer patients who appear to lack social support.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%