Illustrating the Multi-Faceted Dimensions of Group Therapy and Support for Cancer Patients

Abstract

In cancer support groups, choice of therapy model, leadership style, and format can impact patients’ experiences and outcomes. Methodologies that illustrate the complexity of patients’ group experiences might aid in choosing group style, or testing therapeutic mechanisms. We used this naturalistic study as a beginning step to explore methods for comparing cancer group contexts by first modifying a group-experience survey to be cancer-specific (Group Experience Questionnaire (GEQ)). Hypothesizing that therapist-led (TL) would differ from non-therapist-led (NTL), we explored the GEQ’s multiple dimensions. A total of 292 patients attending three types of groups completed it: 2 TL groups differing in therapy style ((1) Supportive-Expressive (SET); (2) The Wellness Community (TWC/CSC)); (3) a NTL group. Participants rated the importance of “Expressing True Feelings” and “Discussing Sexual Concerns” higher in TL than NTL groups and “Discussing Sexual Concerns” higher in SET than other groups. They rated “Developing a New Attitude” higher in TWC/CSC compared to NTL. In addition, we depict the constellation of group qualities using radar-charts to assist visualization. These charts facilitate a quick look at a therapy model’s strengths and weaknesses. Using a measure like the GEQ and this visualization technique could enable health-service decision making about choice of therapy model to offer.

Perceptions of Support Groups Among Older Breast Cancer Survivors

“…However, a constraint of this research is that our sample mostly included Caucasian women while support-seeking literature suggests differences among individuals from different cultural backgrounds. 20, 21 Additionally, while different models of support exist utilizing various therapeutic and leadership styles, formatting, setting and components, all of which may impact patient benefit, 3, 22 we focused singularly on professionally-run support groups.…”

“…Regarding when support groups are presented, support resources should be addressed at every interaction with an oncology provider because cancer survivors’ needs shift and change throughout a cancer journey. 22 It has been over ten years since the Institute of Medicine published a landmark call for attention to the transition from primary to posttreatment cancer care 11 with ongoing appeal from the scientific community for special consideration to the transition to posttreatment. 26 Starting an anti-hormonal treatment and transitioning to posttreatment care presents an especially good time to remind the patient of the match between professionally-led support groups and a patient’s evolving support needs.…”

Narrative-Informed, Emotion-Focused Psychotherapy in Synchronous, Online Chat Groups for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer: A Proof-of-Concept Study

“…Group processes are the active ingredients in group psychotherapy 15 and were measured using group cohesion 16 and valued group experiences. 17 Changes in group cohesion were measured using the Group Cohesiveness Scale 18 (GCS; completed at weeks 1, 4, 7, and 9 across the 10-week intervention). Participants rated the cancer support group experiences they valued most by completing the Group Experience Questionnaire (GEQ; subscales: expressing true feelings, developing a new attitude, accessing information and advice, establishing supportive contact, and discussing sexual concerns) postintervention.…”

A Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Effectiveness of Coping with Cancer in the Kitchen, a Nutrition Education Program for Cancer Survivors

“…The CCK intervention has the potential to close the gap between cancer survivors and the general population in health-related quality of life and mental health directly through learning coping strategies to reduce stress and indirectly through improving diet quality [ 70 ]. Furthermore, in a naturalistic study, Giese-Davis et al showed that CSC therapist-led support groups provided an experience in which the development of a new attitude was valued [ 71 ].…”