Breast Neoplasms
Conditions
Keywords
breast cancer, breast tumor
Brief summary
The investigators hypothesize that breast cancer survivors participating in a prosocial online support group will have a significantly lower mean level of psychological symptoms (anxiety/depression) and higher mean level of sense of purpose post-intervention than participants in a standard online support group.
Detailed description
Psychological distress is a significant problem among breast cancer survivors. Many survivors turn to the internet for information and support, yet few controlled studies have examined the effectiveness and safety of online support groups. The investigators are testing the potential efficacy, acceptability, and feasibility of an innovative theory-based online support group (OSG) for breast cancer survivors. Members of the control group will participate in a standard OSG that encourages self-expression. Members of the experimental condition will participate in a prosocial OSG that provides structured helping opportunities and coaching on how best to give support to others. Participants will complete two telephone interviews and six weekly online support group meetings.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALprosocial online support group
Six weekly 1.5 hour online support group meetings facilitated by a Cancer Support Community staff member. This online support group will maximize opportunities to provide help to others.
BEHAVIORALStandard Online Support Group
Six weekly 1.5 hour online support group meetings facilitated by a Cancer Support Community staff member. This online support group will focus on encouraging self-expression.
Sponsors
Cancer Support Community, Research and Training Institute, Philadelphia
Temple University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
21 Years to 64 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* diagnosed with stage I or II breast cancer in preceding 36 months * 21-64 years of age * access to and ability to use a computer and the internet to communicate with others * fluent in spoken English * meet the screening criteria for psychological distress (score \>7 on either the depression or anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales
Exclusion criteria
* currently taking medication for depression
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale | change from baseline to one month post-intervention |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sense of Coherence measure | change from baseline to one month post-intervention | We are using the Meaningfulness/Purpose in Life subscale of the Sense of Coherence measure to assess sense of purpose. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed